Starting April 1, 2026, payments for fuel stations, real estate, vehicles, and major government services in Uzbekistan will be exclusively cashless, making plastic cards mandatory for many citizens. Economists propose waiving card top-up fees during the transition period to avoid barriers, arguing that increased transaction volumes will offset banks' revenue losses. The Central Bank has set commission limits: up to 206,000 soums for real estate and 103,000 soums for vehicles. Experts emphasize that these measures will facilitate a smooth shift to cashless payments, minimizing inconveniences and circumvention schemes.
Over the past week, the minimum wholesale price for beef in Uzbekistan has risen by 7%. Key reasons include disease outbreaks among livestock in Russia, Kazakhstan's ban on meat imports, and supply disruptions from Pakistan via Afghanistan. Production growth is slow, imports increased by nearly 50% in early 2026, and the average price of imported beef climbed from $3.94 to $4.67 per kg. Systemic issues—such as pasture reduction, fodder land shortages, and expensive feed—also pressure the market, making price stabilization challenging and impacting household expenses and food security.
In Jizzakh Region, concrete work has commenced at the site of Uzbekistan's first nuclear power plant, a project promising to transform the country's energy landscape. The station will integrate small and large power units, supplying over 15% of Uzbekistan's electricity needs. On March 24, 2026, key documents were signed between "Uzatom" and "Rosatom," opening prospects for Russian enterprises with orders worth $24.7 billion. A phone call between Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Vladimir Putin reaffirmed strategic partnership, discussing not only the nuclear plant but also growing trade-economic cooperation and major joint projects.
In Tashkent, Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Emomali Rahmon signed strategic agreements, opened a new embassy, and launched joint economic projects. During the visit, the sides formally cemented allied relations, approved roadmaps for 2026–2028, and initiated 10 joint ventures—from textile and furniture enterprises to food processing and residential construction. Last year's trade turnover approached $1 billion, with leaders agreeing to increase it to $2 billion by 2030.
Donald Trump has officially invited Shavkat Mirziyoyev to participate in the upcoming Peace Council meeting and G20 summit scheduled for May in Miami. In a letter, the American leader purportedly highlighted Mirziyoyev's contribution to strengthening international dialogue and praised the results of his reforms in Uzbekistan, allegedly aimed at economic development, digitalization, and social improvement. It was noted that Uzbekistan became an active participant in the inaugural Peace Council session in February 2026.
Source: kun.uz