AGP Executive Report

US Courts vs Trump Immigration Policy: A Manhattan federal judge struck down the Trump administration’s January suspension of immigrant visa processing for 75 countries, calling it “patently unlawful” and beyond Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s authority; the list includes Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, among many others. Uzbekistan–Azerbaijan Economic Push: In Tashkent, the IV Uzbekistan–Azerbaijan Interregional Forum drew nearly 400 companies and produced signed documents spanning energy, finance, infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing, with officials stressing deeper regional connectivity and city-to-region cooperation. Energy & Industry Deals: Azerbaijan’s SOCAR is set to enter Uzbekistan’s retail fuel market and invest in a gas-station network, while Uzbek specialists plan an intensive “Dostlug” fruit orchard in Azerbaijan’s Fuzuli region. Diplomatic Calendar: Uzbekistan is preparing for President Ilham Aliyev’s Aug. 23–24 state visit, including the third meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council. Security Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan say their interior ministries are expanding collaboration against terrorism, cyber threats, drug trafficking, and other cross-border crime. Border Drug Case: Uzbek authorities report arresting an Afghan citizen in Termez for allegedly smuggling and attempting to sell 506 grams of opium.

Uzbek-Azerbaijan Summit Prep: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev is set to visit Uzbekistan on Aug. 23-24, with Tashkent hosting the third Supreme Intergovernmental Council meeting and a regions forum; leaders are expected to sign a package of documents spanning trade, transport, and cultural ties. Energy & Industry Deals: SOCAR says it will enter Uzbekistan’s retail fuel market and invest in a gas-station network, while Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan also signed cooperation documents covering energy, finance, infrastructure, construction, and manufacturing. Regional Investment Push: Baku’s mayor says over $200 billion has been invested in the city over 20 years, inviting Uzbek firms to join new projects. Security Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan’s law-enforcement agencies are strengthening collaboration against terrorism, cyber threats, drug trafficking, and organized crime. Agro Project “Dostlug”: Uzbek specialists will help establish an intensive “Dostlug” fruit orchard in Azerbaijan’s Fuzuli region, with regional pairing aimed at deeper agro-industrial cooperation. Domestic Uzbekistan Politics: A law expanding the Presidential Administration’s powers has boosted Saida Mirziyoeva’s role, fueling succession questions. Border Drug Case: Uzbek authorities report arrest of an Afghan citizen in Termez for alleged opium smuggling and attempted sale.

Energy Market Reform: President Mirziyoyev says Uzbekistan will cut mandatory advance payments for electricity and gas for firms using automated accounting systems (ASCUE/ASCG) from 100% to 15%, after entrepreneurs complained the old rule squeezed cash flow. Construction Cost Rules: The same dialogue outlined 2027 reforms for construction estimates—man-hour payments set at 5% of the minimum wage and contractor profit margins of 7%, with design fees varying by project complexity. Bilateral Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev frames Baku–Tashkent ties as “natural partners” for East–West transport, linking the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway to the Middle Corridor and TRIPP, and points to the Supreme Interstate Council as a key coordination mechanism. Regional Connectivity: Uzbekistan is set to build a 11 km rail link from Urganch station to the airport, cutting the trip to about 40 minutes, and is also planning a logistics center at Georgia’s Poti port with a 2027 target. Nuclear Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan discussed nuclear safety and a roadmap for expert exchanges, including a proposed regional training center aligned with IAEA guidance. Green Energy: A China-supported 20 MW wind project in Bostanlyk (four 5 MW turbines) has been completed, aimed at cleaner power and reduced gas use. Defense Cooperation: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan held a Defense Ministry working meeting on ideological work and psychological services, including joint cultural events.

Nuclear Policy: Uzbekistan says it will prepare for a second nuclear power plant even as construction of the first NPP is underway, with President Mirziyoyev stressing investors need an acceptable electricity price and uninterrupted supply. Nuclear Safety Dialogue: Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan held expert talks on nuclear safety, agreeing a roadmap and proposing a regional training center aligned with IAEA guidance. Energy & Industry: A China-supported 20 MW wind project was completed in Bostanlyk, while Uzbekistan also moves to hand canals and rivers to private micro-HPPs, including new auction rules with guaranteed tariff purchase. Transport & Connectivity: Uzbekistan completed an 11 km rail link from Urganch station to the international airport, and officials also discussed logistics hubs—Poti in Georgia (2027) and Anaklia implementation—alongside broader regional transit ambitions. Bilateral Security & Media: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan exchanged experience between defense ministries on ideological work and psychological services, and interior ministries discussed cooperation against crime, terrorism, extremism, organized crime, drugs, and cybercrime. Tourism & Culture: Azerbaijani media toured Uzbekistan’s Amirsoy and Charvak-area “Sea Breeze Uzbekistan” resort plans, while leaders highlighted growing tourism and new twin-city ties (including Nakhchivan–Urganch). Regional Geopolitics: Azerbaijan’s Aliyev framed Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan cooperation as key to East-West routes, linking rail integration with the Middle Corridor and TRIPP.

Entrepreneurship & Business Reform: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev unveiled a five-part business reform plan in Khiva, earmarking nearly €1bn for measures spanning finance, AI, exports and company growth, including a digital credit portal for one-application loan offers and a guarantee scheme to ease collateral burdens for smaller firms. Energy & Infrastructure: Uzbekistan commissioned the 20-MW Chorbog wind farm in Tashkent Region’s Bostanliq district, with a $28m Chinese grant backing four 5-MW turbines expected to generate up to 50m kWh annually. Regional Trade & Diplomacy: Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are pushing toward $1bn bilateral trade by 2030, with talks also stressing investment and business-to-business links beyond goods. Security Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan discussed collaboration between internal affairs agencies on fighting crime, terrorism, extremism, organized crime, drug trafficking and cybercrime. Digital Accessibility: Kyrgyzstan’s ombudsman reported only four of 20 government websites meet satisfactory accessibility for people with disabilities, citing low overall compliance. Cyber Threats: Researchers flagged “SilkParasite,” a China-linked malware campaign targeting government bodies across Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, using AI-assisted development and impersonated ministries. Sports (Uzbekistan in focus): Uzbekistan’s teams and athletes featured in regional and international events, including taekwondo medal wins and FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 playoff draw matchups.

Business Reform Push: President Mirziyoyev unveiled a five-part plan in Khiva to spur business growth with nearly €1bn earmarked for finance, AI adoption, and exports, including a digital credit portal and new loan guarantee rules for smaller firms. Entrepreneurship & Trade Diplomacy: Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are preparing documents for a roadmap to lift bilateral trade to $1bn by 2030, with the 4th interregional forum set for Tashkent on Aug 22. Sports & International Hosting: Tashkent will host the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup (Oct 8–10) as the second leg of the “Silk Road Tour,” bringing 750+ swimmers to the Aquatic Palace. Regional Security/Foreign Policy Context: A new Washington Institute analysis says the Taliban logged 3,651 diplomatic engagements with 103 countries since 2021, with Iran, China, Türkiye, Qatar, and Uzbekistan among the top partners. Culture & Heritage Cooperation: Turkic World archaeologists met in Hungary to move ARICA cooperation into joint research projects, including plans for a unified digital heritage database. Language Policy Watch: Uzbekistan’s Latin alphabet reform debate is resurfacing after parliament approved a new version with 28 letters and one apostrophe. International Media Visits: Azerbaijani journalists toured Samarkand’s “Eternal City” complex, highlighting Uzbekistan’s ethnographic and craft offerings for tourism.

Uzbekistan’s Sports Diplomacy: Tashkent will host the country’s first Swimming World Cup (Silk Road Tour) from Oct 8–10 at the Aquatic Palace in the new Olympic City, with 750+ swimmers from 50+ federations and a $1.2m prize pool—an early test ahead of the 25m World Championships in Beijing. Digital Economy Push: Uzbekistan is rolling out a $100m AI support programme for businesses, pairing funding for AI adoption with access to supercomputing as the state accelerates private-sector digital transformation. Cybersecurity Alert: A China-nexus espionage campaign dubbed SilkParasite is targeting Central Asian government bodies with multiple remote-access Trojan families, using tailored phishing lures and macro-driven malware delivery. Regional Energy Fallout: Central Asia’s blackout blame game is narrowing after Kyrgyz officials pointed to a Toktogul hydropower plant generator shutdown as the initial disturbance that shifted power flows and triggered emergency controls. Trade & Transit: Russia is exploring “eastern bypass” options to extend routes through Uzbekistan and Afghanistan toward the Indian Ocean, including potential rail extensions via Afghanistan and Pakistan. Bilateral Finance: Belarus proposes expanding settlements with Uzbekistan in national currencies to cut reliance on third-country currencies, citing rising trade and joint project plans. Tech & Talent Ecosystem: IT Park Uzbekistan continues to market its export-oriented tech ecosystem and training pipeline to foreign media, highlighting 145 IT universities, 110k+ ICT specialists, and thousands of trained graduates.

AI & Industry Push: Uzbekistan plans a $100 million programme to help businesses adopt AI and gain access to supercomputing resources, aiming to speed up digital transformation. Digital Economy & Investment: IT Park Uzbekistan continues to market its tech ecosystem to foreign partners, highlighting 3,800+ tech firms, 1,100+ export-oriented companies, and large-scale training and certification support. Cybersecurity & State Risk: A new Central Asia-focused espionage campaign, “SilkParasite,” is reported to use multiple remote access tools and AI-generated phishing lures, raising fresh concerns for government networks. Sports Diplomacy: World Aquatics is preparing Uzbekistan’s first Swimming World Cup in 50 days, with Tashkent hosting 750+ athletes and a $1.2m prize pool. Regional Tech Talent: Uzbekistan’s informatics spotlight continues after the IOI in Tashkent, while Azerbaijani media tours underscore cross-border cooperation in Uzbekistan’s IT and Islamic heritage institutions. Geopolitics & Security: Uzbekistan-linked transit and “shadow transshipment” claims reappear in a White House report naming several countries, while Georgia detains a dual US-Uzbek citizen sought by the FBI. Public Safety: South Korea launches a major safety probe into HD Hyundai after fatal subcontractor accidents, including an Uzbek worker death.

US Tariff Evasion Watch: A new White House report flags Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan as part of a “shadow transshipment network” used to reroute Chinese goods to the US, citing rail, dry ports and cargo consolidation links. Judicial Cooperation: Uzbekistan’s presidential administration and top judicial bodies sent a delegation to Kazakhstan to compare judge selection, performance evaluation and disciplinary methods. Regional Border Trade: Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan are negotiating to reopen the Mamai checkpoint and build the Kerben–Mamai road, aiming to boost cross-border exports and tourism. Energy Dispute: Kyrgyzstan says a “technological disruption” at the Toktogul hydropower plant triggered the Aug. 14 blackout that hit parts of Central Asia, after earlier blame-shifting. Labor Oversight: South Korea launched an intensive safety inspection at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries after two subcontractor deaths in machinery accidents. Trade & Industry: Uzbekistan is seeking to import steel from India to cut logistics costs, with industry MoUs aimed at technology and sustainable growth. Tech & Education: Uzbekistan hosted the International Olympiad in Informatics, with multiple medal and honorable-mention results highlighting the country’s growing IT profile.

Uzbek-Iran Consultations: Uzbekistan and Iran held the 8th round of political consultations in Tehran, with both sides pledging to deepen political dialogue and expand practical cooperation on trade, investment, transport and cultural exchanges. Media Cooperation: Uzbekistan’s Presidential Administration Media Content Production Center hosted Azerbaijani media representatives, highlighting joint TV and cinema projects, training programs, and the planned Tashkent Content Market 2027 (Feb 4–5). Counterterrorism Coordination: Georgia arrested a U.S.-Uzbek citizen wanted by U.S. authorities on terrorism-related charges after close coordination involving the FBI; extradition steps are underway. Tech Education in Tashkent: A draft Cabinet resolution proposes opening a Chinese International Technical College in Tashkent, with foreign investment, vocational training tracks, and internships tied to major Chinese automakers. Informatics Spotlight: Uzbekistan won one silver and three bronze medals at the International Olympiad in Informatics in Tashkent, reinforcing the country’s push to expand technology education. Humanitarian Health Aid: A Chinese volunteer team launched free cataract surgeries in Tashkent and Kokand, screening at least 150 patients and performing 100 operations. Regional Energy Shift (Neighbor Watch): Kyrgyzstan began direct talks with China’s Sinopec to reduce reliance on increasingly unreliable Russian fuel supplies.

Uzbekistan’s Digital Push: Uzbekistan hosted IOI 2026 in Tashkent, bringing 386 students from 97 countries and boosting the country’s IT profile as a regional tech hub. Presidential Governance Update: President Mirziyoyev signed a constitutional law defining the Administration of the President’s powers and functions, aiming to clarify how the presidential body coordinates reforms, security work, and dialogue with citizens and business. Regional Border Implementation: Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan advanced practical steps for land-plot exchange, including citizenship, resettlement, property rights, and social services, with a joint working group now visiting affected areas. Central Asia Power Shock: A major blackout hit parts of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan on Aug. 14, with Uzbekistan citing disruptions linked to the Central Asian power grid and Kyrgyzstan’s Toktogul hydropower emergency. Aviation Ambition: Uzbekistan is moving toward a new “New Tashkent” airport via a concession deal, targeting major passenger and cargo capacity to strengthen its Central Asian air hub role. International Security Watch: Reporting highlights Russia’s recruitment and training pipeline for Ukrainian teenagers to build drones, tied to Alabuga’s drone production expansion.

Uzbekistan Governance: President Mirziyoyev signed a constitutional law defining the powers and functions of the Administration of the Head of State, formalizing how the presidential apparatus supports reforms, coordinates law enforcement, drafts domestic and foreign policy proposals, and handles personnel, citizenship and pardons. Regional Security & Borders: Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan advanced practical steps on land-plot exchange, agreeing on a joint working group to manage citizenship status, resettlement, property transfers, land-use rules, and social services including education continuity. Energy & Infrastructure: A major Aug. 14 blackout hit parts of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan; Uzbekistan’s energy ministry blamed a neighboring-country grid disruption, while Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan gave conflicting accounts of the initiating event, leaving the cause under investigation. International Diplomacy: Afghanistan’s Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi urged the U.S. to reopen its Kabul embassy and invest in mines, dams and roads, framing it as a new chapter of “positive engagement” after the end of war. Central Asia Labor Mobility: South Korea opened an official labor route for Kazakhstan under its Employment Permit System (EPS), with Kazakh workers expected to arrive via E-9 visas starting in 2028 after a memorandum and language-test arrangements. Uzbek Citizens Abroad: Families of Uzbek victims killed in Russia’s Nizhnekamsk drone attack will receive compensation from Tatarstan authorities, while injured people and property-damage claims are also being handled. Culture & Heritage: Samarkand was named a World Craft City by the World Crafts Council, joining other Uzbek cities and positioning the designation for tourism and global promotion of handicrafts.

Afghanistan-US Diplomacy: Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi urged Washington to reopen its Kabul embassy and invest in mines, dams, and roads, framing it as a new “positive engagement” after the end of war—while ruling out any return of US troops. Regional Power Politics: Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan gave conflicting accounts of what sparked the Aug. 14 blackout, leaving the initiating event unresolved as investigators compare timelines across different time zones. Uzbekistan’s International Spotlight: The 38th International Olympiad in Informatics concluded in Tashkent, with Uzbekistan’s team winning medals and China topping the standings; the event drew 386 students from 97 countries. Turkic Heritage Cooperation: Archaeologists under ARICA agreed to build a unified digital database and an international program for joint research, including a planned electronic atlas of Turkic archaeological sites. Afghan Economic Outreach: At a Termez forum, Afghanistan’s commerce minister Nooruddin Azizi said Kabul is ready for Uzbek and Chinese investment and wants new transit corridors to move exports via Uzbekistan to China. Defense Watch: A researcher published what he says is the clearest image of an Uzbekistan Air Force J-10CE, amid reports of a possible 24-jet purchase from China.

Uzbekistan’s Defense Modernization: A researcher says he has a clear photo of an Uzbekistan Air Force J-10CE fighter jet, amid unconfirmed reports that Tashkent agreed to buy 24 J-10CEs from China for about $1 billion—an upgrade from Soviet-era fleets. Regional Diplomacy & Trade: Afghanistan’s commerce minister Nooruddin Azizi told a Termez forum that Kabul is ready to attract Uzbek and Chinese investment, pushing new transit corridors and deeper economic cooperation. Central Asia Integration: Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan advanced land-exchange implementation in Batken, setting up a joint working group to handle citizenship, resettlement, property rights, land use, and social protection. Afghanistan Under the Taliban: Reuters marks five years since the Taliban took Kabul, with officials staging a “victory day” parade while UN and aid groups warn of worsening humanitarian conditions and restrictions on women. Cultural & Heritage Cooperation: Turkic archaeologists agreed to build a unified digital database of archaeological heritage through ARICA, including joint research on Silk Road and early Turkic sites. Science & Education Spotlight (Tashkent): The 38th International Olympiad in Informatics in Tashkent crowned China top in team standings; Saudi won the first IOI silver in its history, while Kyrgyzstan, Taiwan, and Thailand also reported medal hauls. Humanitarian/Policy Watch: A report says Russia plans to overhaul migrant recruitment from 2027 by tying workers to specific employers, jobs, and regions—raising concerns for Central Asian laborers.

Kyrgyzstan–Uzbek Land Exchange: A joint working commission meeting in Kadamdzhai (Batken) reviewed the practical steps for the land swap, including citizenship, resettlement, property transfer, land use, social protection, and even continuity of education for affected residents; a joint working group was formed and will visit the exchanged territories. Afghanistan’s 5-Year Turning Point: Taliban marked five years since taking Kabul with a military-style “victory day” parade in Kabul, while UN and aid groups warned crises are worsening—especially for women and girls—amid humanitarian strain and tighter restrictions. Uzbekistan–SCO Education Push: Uzbekistan’s higher education ministry official argued that integrating education and science across Central Asia fits the Shanghai Cooperation Organization’s goals, pointing to the region’s historic knowledge exchange routes. Tashkent Hosts Regional Sports: Bahrain finished 11th in the juniors’ medal table at the Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships in Tashkent, winning three medals via Jhon Lopez; Uzbekistan also featured prominently in the overall standings. Tashkent International Cotton Agenda: Uzbekistan and the International Cotton Advisory Committee will host World Cotton Day 2026 Partners Conference in Tashkent on Oct. 7, bringing together government, UN agencies, and industry across the cotton value chain. BRICS Payments Talk: India’s central bank chief said BRICS is discussing linking instant payment systems and central bank digital currencies to cut cross-border transaction costs.

Uzbekistan Governance: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev approved a law reshaping the presidential administration’s structure and duties, including drafting decrees and orders, monitoring implementation, and expanding open interaction with citizens and businesses; Saida Mirziyoyeva, currently leading the administration, is set to gain the status of deputy head of the Security Council. Regional Diplomacy & Security: Afghanistan marked five years under Taliban rule with a Kabul “victory day” parade, while UN and aid groups warned of worsening humanitarian conditions and deepening restrictions on women and girls; the anniversary also comes amid reports of assassinations in the northeast. International Engagement: A separate report says more countries are renewing ties with the Taliban despite rights concerns, raising fears that fragmented contacts could weaken consistent demands. Tashkent Events & Economy: Uzbekistan and the International Cotton Advisory Committee will host World Cotton Day 2026 Partners Conference in Tashkent on Oct. 7, bringing global cotton and textile stakeholders under the theme “Cotton for Good.” Sports (Tashkent): Kyrgyz young swimmers made their first appearance at the Uzbekistan Open Water Swimming Championship in Tashmore, signaling growing sports ties with Uzbekistan. Culture & Tourism: Gobustan Reserve in Azerbaijan drew nearly 40,000 visitors in three months, with many coming from Uzbekistan and China. Aviation/Trade: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are highlighted in regional connectivity and cargo cooperation efforts, including new corridor and flight links.