Weekly highlights: Uzbekistan’s CIS summit initiatives, WTO progress, and air quality challenges

This week, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended the CIS Summit, proposing initiatives to boost economic and digital cooperation. Alisher Tukhtaev was appointed as Uzbekistan's new Ambassador to Pakistan. Uzbekistan's foreign reserves reached a record $41.139 billion in September. The country is preparing for a 2-3 year transition period as it moves towards joining the WTO. A World Bank report highlighted that 83% of Tashkent's population is affected by severe air pollution.

CIS Summit in Moscow: Mirziyoyev Proposes Economic and Deradicalization Initiatives

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended the CIS Summit, chaired by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Leaders from Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Armenia also participated. The summit focused on economic cooperation, security, and digital technologies.

President Mirziyoyev put forward several proposals, including:

• Hosting the CIS Economic Council meeting and an Innovative Development Forum in Tashkent in 2025.
• Organizing a conference on artificial intelligence in Samarkand.
• Launching a “Days of Culture” event for Commonwealth states.
• Developing joint programs in healthcare, education, arts, and sports.

Additionally, Uzbekistan’s proposed 2025-2027 Cooperation Program on Deradicalization was adopted by the summit. Mirziyoyev commended Russia’s leadership and called for closer economic ties and enhanced cybersecurity cooperation.

Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov Advocates for Stronger Trade Ties at CIS Council

Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister, Bakhtiyor Saidov, attended the CIS Council of Foreign Ministers in Moscow on October 7. Discussions focused on strengthening trade and economic cooperation among CIS countries. Saidov emphasized the deep historical connections between CIS member states and advocated for increased collaboration to address global challenges and promote regional stability.

Alisher Tukhtaev Appointed Uzbekistan’s New Ambassador to Pakistan

Alisher Tukhtaev has been appointed as Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Pakistan, succeeding Oybek Usmanov. Tukhtaev previously served as an advisor to the Uzbek Foreign Minister and held key positions at the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan. His appointment reflects Uzbekistan’s commitment to deepening its relationship with Pakistan, a significant regional partner.

Uzbekistan’s Foreign Reserves Hit Record $41.139 Billion Due to Rising Gold Prices

Uzbekistan’s official reserve assets increased by $1.98 billion in September, reaching a record high of $41.139 billion. This marks the third consecutive month of reserve growth, primarily driven by rising gold prices. While the physical volume of gold in reserves remained unchanged, its value surged by $1.46 billion due to the all-time high prices of gold in global markets.

Uzbekistan Prepares for WTO Membership with a 2-3 Year Transition Period

Uzbekistan is set to undergo a 2-3 year transition period as it prepares to join the World Trade Organization (WTO). This period will allow the country to align its trade and tax regulations with WTO standards, particularly by equalizing VAT and excise tax rates for domestic and imported goods. These reforms are aimed at fostering competition, particularly for small businesses, although larger enterprises may face challenges as tax benefits are removed. WTO membership is expected to lower tariffs on Uzbek exports and open up new market opportunities.

World Bank Report: 83% of Tashkent’s Population Exposed to Hazardous Air Pollution

A joint report by the World Bank and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Ecology revealed that 83% of Tashkent’s population lives in areas where air pollution exceeds safe levels by six times. PM2.5 particle concentrations in the city reached 38.8 micrograms per cubic meter, well above the World Health Organization’s recommended limit of 5 micrograms. This level of pollution is linked to approximately 3,000 premature deaths annually. The main sources of pollution include residential heating, transportation, industry, and urban dust. The report suggests measures such as reducing emissions, improving fuel quality for heating, and increasing energy efficiency in buildings.

Mirziyoyev Meets with Iran’s President to Discuss Expanding Trade

On the sidelines of an international forum in Ashgabat, President Mirziyoyev held talks with Iran’s President Masoud Pizishkian. The two leaders discussed the growing trade relationship between their countries and stressed the importance of swiftly implementing cooperation projects. They also emphasized the need to expand the range of products covered under the Preferential Trade Agreement and reaffirmed their commitment to continued cooperation on regional and global issues.

Early Voting for Uzbekistan’s Parliamentary Elections to Begin on October 16

Uzbekistan’s Central Election Commission (CEC) has announced that early voting for the upcoming parliamentary elections will take place from October 16 to 23, ahead of the official election day on October 27. Measures are being put in place to ensure the voting process is inclusive, with special accommodations for people with disabilities. These include Braille templates for ballots and voting booths equipped with magnifiers and additional lighting. Early voting will also be available for Uzbek citizens abroad, in line with the local time of the host country.