Uzbekistan

In February, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) in Uzbekistan increased by 0.6%, reaching 100.6% compared to the previous month. According to the National Committee on Statistics, this figure stood at 101.3% compared to December 2025 and 107.3% on an annual basis. For comparison, in February 2025, the composite CPI was 100.5% month-on-month, 101.3% compared to December of the previous year, and 110.1% annually, indicating a slight slowdown in inflation.

In Uzbekistan, an official from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation has been detained for attempting to receive a bribe of $100,000. According to investigative authorities, he demanded the money in exchange for facilitating the issuance of a license to open a branch of a non-state higher education institution. The official was caught red-handed while receiving the specified amount.

According to Uzbekistan's Hydrometeorological Service (Uzgidromet), cold and wet air masses are expected to invade the country's territory from March 9 to 12. During this period, precipitation (rain, transitioning to snow in some areas) is forecast intermittently across Uzbekistan, potentially disrupting daily activities and posing challenges for residents.

Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has announced new initiatives for a fundamental reform of state governance in the country. According to his statements, these reforms aim to simplify the government system, strengthen the fight against corruption, and stimulate economic growth. The president described this process as a "decisive step for the future of our nation" and called for active participation from all sectors of society.

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulated the country's women on International Women's Day — March 8, emphasizing their crucial role in societal development, family strengthening, and the upbringing of the younger generation. In his address, the head of state noted that without women and their noble qualities, the development of the country and life itself would be unimaginable.

New negotiations have commenced between Uzbekistan and the European Union (EU) to expand economic cooperation. The Uzbek government aims to establish deeper ties with the EU in trade and investment, but this process is encountering several challenges and critical assessments.

According to the press service of the Tashkent City Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection, an inspection revealed the illegal felling of 16 trees on the territory of the former military unit No. 7534 in the Yashnabad district of Tashkent. The investigation found that OBODON FAYZ SERVIS XIZMATI LLC, a company carrying out landscaping work at the site, had cut down the trees without authorization.

In Uzbekistan, an attempt to solicit a large bribe by an official from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation has been thwarted. The civil servant was apprehended while receiving $100,000, which, according to investigative data, he allegedly demanded in exchange for facilitating the issuance of a license to open a branch of a non-state higher education institution in the city of Karshi, Kashkadarya region.

The body previously discovered in Turkey's Balıkesir province has been confirmed through DNA testing to belong to 46-year-old Dilafruz Chulliyeva, a native of Uzbekistan's Samarkand region. This identification was announced by the "Society for the Protection of the Rights of Uzbek Women" in Turkey, highlighting ongoing concerns about migrant safety.

Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has unveiled new initiatives aimed at strengthening dialogue between state leadership and citizens. He stated that this process is designed to enhance openness and trust in society, as well as ensure active citizen participation in state policy.

From March 9 to 12, Uzbekistan is expected to experience an invasion of cold and wet air masses across the country. According to the national hydrometeorological service, Uzgidromet, precipitation (rain, with possible transition to snow in some areas) will occur intermittently throughout this period. In foothill and mountainous regions, heavy precipitation, including snow, is anticipated, which could pose challenges to infrastructure and agricultural activities.

The adoption of an escrow law, planned for January to prevent fraud in housing purchases, has been delayed. According to Sherzod Kudbiyev, Chairman of the National Committee for Urbanization, the document is currently under review in the government, being coordinated with the Ministry of Justice, and may be submitted to the Legislative Chamber in March-April.