Uzbekistan

The international industrial exhibition “INNOPROM. Central Asia,” held in Tashkent, continues to solidify its role as a key platform for showcasing innovations and fostering industrial cooperation in the region. The 2026 event brought together representatives from government agencies, investors, and businesses from Central Asian countries, as well as Russia and Belarus. The exhibition’s exposition covers a broad spectrum of technological solutions, including urban infrastructure development, transportation, and the digitalization of production.

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus visited the Republican Specialized Scientific and Practical Medical Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Immunology in Uzbekistan on Tuesday, accompanied by the First Lady of Uzbekistan and Chairperson of the Zamin Foundation's Board of Trustees, Ziroat Mirziyoyeva. During the visit, they engaged with patients suffering from childhood cancer and their families, and reviewed treatment and rehabilitation programs implemented at the center.

World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Gebreyesus, during a joint visit with Uzbekistan’s First Lady Ziroat Mirziyoyeva to the Republican Center for Pediatric Oncology in Tashkent, praised her leadership in the fight against childhood cancer. Gebreyesus highlighted that the "Zamin" Foundation, which she heads, plays a crucial role in significantly improving medical services in pediatric oncology and creating a unique network of hospital schools called "Mehrli Maktab" across the country.

A meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed the economic development outcomes for 2024, highlighting GDP growth, industrial output, and agricultural achievements. The event brought together government officials and economic experts.

A series of significant events have occurred in various regions of Uzbekistan in recent days. Notably, an economic forum was held in Tashkent with the participation of international experts.

Uzbekistan's cotton harvest in 2024 has reached a record level, yet this success occurs against a backdrop of persistent challenges in the agricultural sector. According to state statistics data, cotton production increased by 15% compared to the previous year, a result attributed to the government's agricultural policies and technological upgrades. However, experts emphasize that this growth is accompanied by issues such as water scarcity, climate change, and the low-wage labor of agricultural workers.

New Construction Project in Tashkent: Urban Infrastructure and Economic Growth

Prominent Tashkent restaurateur and founder of the Caravan Group network, Timur Musin, has put key assets of his business up for sale. Listings on the OLX platform have appeared for the Palove Museum restaurant in Tashkent, the Caravan restaurant, and the Cinara’s ethnographic complex in Tashkent Region, with a total estimated value of 294 billion soums (approximately $24.4 million).

Uzbekistan's airports maintained steady positive dynamics in passenger flow, number of flights, and cargo transportation during the first quarter of 2026. According to Uzbekistan Airports company, in the first three months of the year, the country's airports served a total of 3,987,313 passengers. This represents a 19% increase compared to the first quarter of 2025.

Uzbekistan is finalizing a draft law to regulate the demolition of dilapidated and unsafe housing and the construction of new buildings. The most debated provision is the requirement for consent from 80% of property owners, which has sparked widespread public discussion. However, representatives from the Ministry of Justice clarified that 80% consent is only needed to advance the proposal to the next stage, while actual demolition requires 100% agreement from all owners.

Culture Minister Ozodbek Nazarbekov expressed his views on the draft new tax order during an open meeting with artists on April 21. The minister emphasized that the current tax form is "unhealthy" and that the new order is being discussed solely to improve the existing system, not as a question of whether artists pay taxes.

Real Madrid secured a 2-1 win against Alaves in La Liga, breaking a four-game winless streak and moving closer to league leader Barcelona. Goals from Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior propelled Madrid to victory, reducing the gap to Barcelona to six points as the Catalan side prepares to host Celta Vigo.