Uzbekistan

In accordance with a presidential decree titled "On Additional Measures for the Sustainable Provision of Agricultural Products to the Population in the Autumn-Winter Period," adopted on March 25, 2026, a series of new benefits and preferences have been established in Uzbekistan to support greenhouse farming. These measures aim to ensure a stable supply of food products to the population during the winter and autumn seasons.

Uzbekistan is introducing a new mechanism that abolishes customs duties on imported raw materials and components for finished goods production, with Value Added Tax (VAT) to be paid only when the finished product is sold. This initiative was officially announced on March 28 during a meeting with entrepreneurs from the food and confectionery industries.

In the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan, the 'Media Week' commenced on March 30, marking the largest educational and practical event of the year in the country's information sphere. Participants are set to engage in trainings, masterclasses, and open dialogues with leading experts, aimed at enhancing professional skills across various media disciplines.

Uzbekistan Issues Mudflow and Flood Warning for 8 Regions Amid Expected Rainfall

Uzbekistan has announced its cotton harvest plans for 2024, but recent issues and climate change may impact the outcomes. The country's leadership plans to reduce cotton cultivation areas to 1.1 million hectares, which would be the lowest figure in the past decade.

The State Statistics Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan has released economic growth indicators for the first quarter of 2024. According to the data, the gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate stood at 6.2%, which is slightly lower than the figure for the same period last year. Committee Chairman Bahodir Qo‘ldoshev attributed this growth to positive dynamics in industry, construction, and services, but noted a slowdown in agriculture due to drought conditions.

In Tashkent, an inspection conducted in the Yunona neighborhood of Shaykhantakhur District revealed that 108 trees had been illegally transplanted. The investigation, carried out by the State Environmental Inspection of the National Committee on Ecology and Climate Change based on a complaint, found that trees were unlawfully placed in the area of a closed collector on Abu Ali ibn Sina Street.

Under a presidential decree issued on March 25, 2024, Uzbekistan is set to implement additional measures to ensure the supply of agricultural products to the population during the autumn-winter period. According to the Huquqiy axborot Telegram channel, key development targets for greenhouse farming in the republic have been set for 2026–2027.

Uzbekistan and the Kingdom of Lesotho have established diplomatic relations. A corresponding communiqué was signed on March 27 at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The document was signed by Uzbekistan's Permanent Representative to the UN, Ulugbek Lapasov, and the Head of the Lesotho Mission to the UN, Matete Nena.

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), in collaboration with Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, has announced the launch of an international scholarship program that will enable students to pursue quality education abroad with full financial support. The program covers tuition, dormitory accommodation, monthly stipends, and medical insurance, providing a comprehensive package for overseas study.

Uzbekistan's foreign trade turnover for January-February 2026 reached $11.6 billion, showing a 7.1% increase compared to the same period last year. According to data from the National Statistics Committee, while overall trade volume grew, the dynamics of exports and imports moved in opposite directions.

The Special Commission of the Competition Committee of Uzbekistan has initiated a case against 31 entities accused of unjustifiably inflating starting prices and artificially limiting volumes in propane exchange trades during November-December 2025 and January 2026. According to the commission, these actions led to a sharp increase in propane prices, violating competition laws and adversely affecting consumers and the national economy.