Our People > Sadokat Jalolova

Sadokat Jalolova

Journalist

Jalolova has worked as a reporter for some time in local newspapers and websites in Uzbekistan, and has enriched her knowledge in the field of journalism through courses at the University of Michigan, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Amsterdam on the Coursera platform.

Articles

Trade Relations

Uzbekistan and Hong Kong Agree to Launch Business Council

Uzbekistan and Hong Kong have taken a step toward expanding economic ties after the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) signed a memorandum of understanding on business cooperation. According to Uzbekistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the agreement was signed during a business mission to Central Asia led by Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu. The memorandum is intended to deepen trade and economic relations and create new opportunities for businesses in Uzbekistan and Hong Kong. The document follows several months of discussions. Negotiations began in March during a visit by Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to China, Farhod Arziev, to the HKGCC. The talks continued through meetings and consultations, including a visit by a delegation from Uzbekistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry to Hong Kong in May. A key outcome of the agreement is the planned establishment of the Uzbekistan-Hong Kong Business Council. The platform is expected to support regular dialogue between entrepreneurs, help build commercial partnerships, and advance joint projects in trade and investment. The two sides also plan to organize business forums, B2B meetings, and trade missions to increase direct contacts between companies and investors. The agreement comes as Hong Kong increases its economic engagement with Central Asia. Earlier this month, a Hong Kong delegation visited Kazakhstan, where agreements were signed in areas including finance, logistics, technology, energy, and trade. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Kazakhstan secured more than 40 commercial agreements during the visit and began discussions on new investment and tax cooperation frameworks with Hong Kong. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan said the memorandum is expected to open new opportunities for businesses in both jurisdictions while supporting increased trade and investment cooperation.

7 hours ago

Mining

Uzbekistan Plans $30 Billion Mining Investment Drive Backed by AI and Digital Geology

Uzbekistan is planning a major digital transformation of its mining and geology sector, with artificial intelligence set to play a central role in mineral exploration, resource management, and industrial production. According to the presidential press service, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on June 9 on plans to expand the use of digital technologies and AI across the industry, one of the country’s key economic sectors. Officials said mining and geology enterprises accounted for 20% of Uzbekistan’s industrial output in 2025 and generated 118.5 trillion soums in budget revenues. The government sees technological modernization as a priority for improving efficiency, attracting investment, and expanding the country’s long-term resource base. The presentation pointed to progress already made in digitalization. Major mining enterprises cut operating expenses by 7.3 trillion soums in 2025, while production costs fell by 9.1%. Authorities have also launched the Geomonitoring information system and digitized data on more than 2,000 mineral deposits. Over the next five years, Uzbekistan aims to increase its proven reserves by 879 tons of gold, 510 tons of silver, and 676,000 tons of copper. Officials said AI technologies will be introduced throughout the geological exploration process to speed up the analysis of geological data, improve reserve assessments, forecast promising mineral deposits, and make drilling more efficient. Mirziyoyev instructed officials to take the sector’s technological transformation to a new stage by creating systems capable of managing and analyzing production processes with AI. The industry generates large volumes of information, from geological surveys and drilling results to maps, laboratory analyses, and production data. Integrating these resources into a unified electronic database and applying 3D modeling tools could improve exploration outcomes. According to the presentation, the proposed measures could reduce production costs by 10%, cut the time needed to identify new deposits by half, and increase the number of investment proposals several times over. A key element of the strategy is the creation of a National Geological Database. Authorities plan to digitize more than 36,000 geological reports and primary data records and establish a Center for Technological Transformation. Officials estimate that this will double the speed and quality of geological data processing and accelerate reserve estimation and deposit modeling. The presentation also outlined plans to attract $30 billion in investment to the geology and mining sector by 2030. To support that target, the government plans to implement 32 digital and AI-focused projects from 2026 to 2030 at six major enterprises: Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company, Almalyk Mining and Metallurgical Complex, Navoiyuran, Uzmetkombinat, Uzbekcoal, and the Uzbekistan Technological Metals Complex. The projects will cover production automation, corporate governance, AI, labor and industrial safety, and geological exploration. Officials said the measures could increase operational efficiency by 7%, improve the reliability of machinery and equipment by 20%, raise energy efficiency by 8%, and reduce human-factor-related errors and risks by 15%. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Uzbekistan and the United States signed agreements earlier this year aimed at securing supply chains for critical minerals and rare earth elements,...

8 hours ago

Labor Migration

Germany Pledges to Review Visa Obstacles Facing Skilled Workers From Uzbekistan

Germany has pledged to examine visa-related difficulties faced by Uzbekistani specialists and consider measures to address them, according to Uzbekistan’s Dunyo news agency. The commitment was announced during a meeting at the Frankfurt Chamber of Commerce and Industry focused on organized and safe recruitment of workers from Uzbekistan for the German labor market. The event was chaired by Dr. Jürgen Ratzinger, the chamber’s managing director for international business, and brought together representatives of German institutions and executives from WISAG, one of Germany’s largest service companies. Uzbekistan's delegation included Gulnara Salimova, honorary representative of Uzbekistan’s Migration Agency in Germany, and Vice Consul Bekzod Abdullayev. During the talks, Uzbek officials outlined efforts to prepare workers for employment in Germany. These measures include vocational training programs tailored to the needs of the German labor market, language instruction, and initiatives designed to support legal and organized labor migration. Participants also discussed challenges faced by Uzbekistani specialists during the visa application process. According to Dunyo, German representatives acknowledged that visa processing for qualified Uzbekistani workers often takes considerable time and said they would study systemic issues and consider possible solutions. The discussions come as Germany continues to face labor shortages in several sectors and seeks qualified foreign workers. Uzbekistan, meanwhile, has increased efforts to create legal pathways for employment abroad through government-supported migration programs. The meeting also follows a recent investigation by German authorities into an alleged visa fraud and migrant smuggling network involving citizens of Uzbekistan. Earlier this month, Germany’s Federal Police carried out searches at seven locations in the states of Hesse and Lower Saxony as part of an investigation led by prosecutors in Bavaria. The case concerns suspected commercial smuggling of foreign nationals, unauthorized residence, visa fraud, and document forgery. The investigation began after federal police inspected a citizen of Uzbekistan traveling on a long-distance bus shortly after he entered Germany through a Bavarian border crossing. Officials at the Frankfurt meeting highlighted the importance of ensuring that labor migration takes place through transparent, legal, and secure channels while improving opportunities for qualified professionals from Uzbekistan seeking work in Germany.

1 day ago

Gas Imports

Russian Gas Exports to Uzbekistan Rise as Domestic Production Continues to Fall

Russian gas deliveries to Uzbekistan increased by 15% in 2025, reaching nearly 6.5 billion cubic meters, according to Gazprom’s annual report, as reported by TASS. The report shows that supplies rose from 5.64 billion cubic meters in 2024 to 6.48 billion cubic meters in 2025. Gas was delivered through Kazakhstan using the Central Asia-Center pipeline system in reverse-flow mode. Gazprom said exports to Uzbekistan increased throughout the year, with deliveries in the fourth quarter reaching the maximum technical capacity of the route. The company also reported a 22.2% increase in overall gas exports to Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan in 2025. The growth in Russian supplies comes as Uzbekistan faces declining domestic gas production. Earlier this year, The Times of Central Asia reported that the country’s natural gas output fell by 15% in the first quarter of 2026. According to Uzbekistan’s National Statistics Committee, the country produced 9.6 billion cubic meters of natural gas between January and March, compared with 11.3 billion cubic meters during the same period a year earlier. Production declines were also recorded in other energy sectors, including oil, coal, and gas condensate. Uzbekistan began importing Russian gas under a contract signed with Gazprom in June 2023. Deliveries started in October of that year as the country sought additional supplies to meet growing domestic demand, particularly during the winter season. In October 2025, the Russian government said Gazprom was continuing to implement a contract providing for annual gas supplies of up to 7.7 billion cubic meters to Uzbekistan. Officials also noted the potential for further increases in export volumes. Energy cooperation between the two countries has expanded in recent years. In 2024, Gazprom signed agreements with Kazakhstan on the transit of Russian gas to Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan for the period from 2025 to 2040. The same year, Uzbekistan announced plans to modernize its gas transmission network and raise its capacity for Russian gas imports from 9 million cubic meters to 32 million cubic meters per day.

1 day ago

Visa Fraud

German Authorities Investigate Alleged Schengen Visa Scheme Involving Citizens of Uzbekistan

German authorities have launched a major investigation into a suspected visa fraud and migrant smuggling network accused of helping dozens of citizens of Uzbekistan enter the European Union using false information and forged documents. According to Germany’s Federal Police, around 220 officers searched seven locations in Hesse and Lower Saxony as part of an investigation led by the Public Prosecutor’s Office in Weiden in der Oberpfalz, Bavaria. The case concerns suspected commercial smuggling of foreign nationals, unauthorized residence, visa fraud, and document forgery. The investigation began after federal police inspected a traveler from Uzbekistan on a long-distance bus shortly after he entered Germany through a Bavarian border crossing. Authorities believe the suspects, described as members of an internationally operating group that included several people from Uzbekistan, arranged short-term Schengen visas for job seekers from the country. Investigators allege that false information and flight tickets were submitted to obtain the visas. According to prosecutors, after arriving in Germany, some individuals were allegedly provided with forged European Union identity documents. These documents were then reportedly used to register with health and pension insurance systems, tax authorities, municipal registration offices, employment agencies, and job centers, as well as to open bank accounts and activate mobile phone services. German authorities say the group may be linked to 76 visas issued to citizens of Uzbekistan. Investigators estimate that clients were charged €2,000 for obtaining a visa, another €2,000 for flight tickets, and €400 for forged driver’s licenses. During the searches, officers reportedly seized suspected fake identity documents and driver’s licenses from several European countries, more than 20 mobile phones, two laptops, and various banking, insurance, and registration documents. The investigation stems from an October 2025 inspection on the A6 highway near Waidhaus, close to Germany’s border with the Czech Republic. During that check, federal police stopped the passenger, who was traveling on a bus route between Prague and Amsterdam. Although he had a valid passport issued by Uzbekistan and a Czech Schengen visa, officers allegedly discovered four suspected forged Latvian identity cards and a suspected forged Polish driver’s license in his luggage. Officers located 12 people targeted in the investigation during the raids, while authorities also encountered nine other people suspected of residing illegally in Germany. Prosecutors said they are considering whether to seek an arrest warrant for the main suspect, and the investigation remains ongoing. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Piergabriele Papadia de Bottini di Sant’Agnese, a former Italian ambassador to Uzbekistan, was arrested in Rome on allegations of corruption and facilitating illegal migration. Italian prosecutors allege that Papadia and his associate, Tatiana Tarakanova, operated a scheme involving the issuance of Schengen visas through the Italian Embassy in Tashkent. Prosecutors claim the pair helped arrange visas in exchange for payments.

2 days ago

U.S. Crime

Uzbekistan’s Consulate Urges Citizens to Follow U.S. Law After Cargo Theft Arrests

The Consulate General of Uzbekistan in New York has urged citizens of Uzbekistan in the United States to follow local laws after recent media reports linked several citizens of Uzbekistan and people of Uzbek origin to criminal investigations. In a statement posted on Telegram, the consulate said reports about alleged offenses involving citizens of Uzbekistan or people of Uzbek origin had appeared increasingly in the media and on social networks. The statement did not refer to a specific case, but it came shortly after U.S. authorities announced charges against an alleged multi-state cargo theft ring. The consulate called on citizens of Uzbekistan living, studying, working, or doing business in the U.S. to respect local laws, customs, and accepted standards of public behavior. “Any violation of the law carries personal responsibility,” the statement said, adding that unlawful actions by a small number of people can affect perceptions of the broader Uzbek community abroad. The consulate said most members of that community are law-abiding, work honestly, study, run businesses, and represent Uzbekistan with dignity. The diplomatic mission noted that the issue is particularly important during major international events and sports competitions, when public and media attention toward Uzbekistan and its citizens increases. The statement was issued as U.S. law enforcement agencies continued investigating a group accused of stealing nearly $5 million worth of commercial cargo. According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, eight defendants were indicted in connection with a scheme that allegedly targeted shipments in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New Jersey before the stolen goods were diverted to New York. Prosecutors allege the group operated between October 2025 and April 2026 and impersonated legitimate shipping carriers to obtain cargo from logistics sites. The stolen goods allegedly included lamb, cheese, beef, copper, and cigarettes. According to prosecutors, the defendants used fraudulently obtained shipment information from real carriers and brokers, leased trucks, and used false carrier identities to collect cargo. The stolen goods were then transported into and through New York City for sale on the black market. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office said the alleged thefts included $165,000 worth of lamb, $432,000 worth of cheese, $295,000 worth of beef, more than $266,000 worth of copper, and more than $3.3 million worth of cigarettes. The New York Post reported that Murodullo “Murad” Khasanov, whom prosecutors identified as the alleged leader of the group, was arrested in New York and pleaded not guilty. The newspaper said prosecutors sought $1.5 million bail. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said the alleged theft ring affected businesses and consumers and raised concerns about the use of online hacking in large-scale cargo theft. Prosecutors said the investigation remains ongoing. The consulate said it remains ready, within its authority, to provide citizens with consular and legal assistance. At the same time, it urged citizens to act responsibly and avoid behavior that could lead to legal consequences or harm the reputation of Uzbekistan and its citizens abroad. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Uzbekistan has also sought to expand...

2 days ago

Cultural Heritage

Samarkand’s Sher-Dor Madrasah Restoration Reaches First Milestone With U.S. Support

A major international effort to preserve one of Central Asia’s most iconic architectural monuments has reached a new milestone, with officials in Samarkand marking the completion of the first phase of restoration work on the façade of the Sher-Dor Madrasah, part of the historic Registan Square complex. According to a June 3 report from the Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation (ACDF), the ceremony was attended by Sarah Rogers, the United States under secretary of state for public diplomacy and public affairs, ACDF Chairperson Gayane Umerova, and U.S. Ambassador to Uzbekistan Jonathan Henick. The restoration project focuses on the conservation of the Sher-Dor Madrasah’s historic façade, including its mosaics, majolica decorations, ornamental elements, and Kufic inscriptions. The work forms part of a three-phase program supported by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). During the event, ACDF and the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan also signed a five-year roadmap for cooperation aimed at expanding joint initiatives in cultural heritage preservation and cultural exchange. The project is one of the largest cultural heritage grants awarded to Uzbekistan by the U.S. government. According to the U.S. Embassy, the Cultural Heritage Agency of Uzbekistan secured a $500,000 AFCP grant after its proposal was selected through a global competition. The award was both the largest in that year’s competition and the largest AFCP grant ever received by Uzbekistan. The initiative is being implemented by the Cultural Heritage Agency with technical support from the International Institute for Central Asian Studies. Local craftsmen and restoration specialists are carrying out the work, while international experts are providing consultation and access to scientific documentation and conservation resources. During the ceremony in Samarkand, Henick and Umerova exchanged a letter of intent reaffirming their commitment to advancing the action plan and expanding bilateral cooperation in the field. Umerova, who is also head of the Department of Creative Economy and Tourism of the Administration of the President of Uzbekistan, said the project is about more than preserving a historic building. “We are grateful to the United States Embassy and the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation for their partnership and shared commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage. Together, we are preserving not only one of the world’s most remarkable architectural ensembles, but also the traditions and craftsmanship that give it meaning,” Umerova said. She noted that the Registan has served as a symbol of learning and cultural exchange for centuries and described the restoration project as an example of international cooperation built on mutual respect and a shared responsibility to protect cultural heritage. “We are thrilled to be part of the restoration efforts of the beautiful and iconic Sher-Dor Madrasah in the historic Registan Square,” Henick said. “These efforts will help preserve this important monument for many generations to come and for all humanity.” The Sher-Dor restoration forms part of a 2023 cultural property agreement between Uzbekistan and the U.S. The agreement created a framework for cooperation on protecting cultural heritage, including measures to combat the illicit trade in archaeological and ethnological material...

5 days ago

Archaeology

Bronze Age Trepanation in Uzbekistan May Be Central Asia’s Oldest Evidence of Surgery

Archaeologists working in southern Uzbekistan have uncovered what may be the earliest known evidence of surgery in Central Asia. The discovery involves the remains of a Bronze Age child whose skull bears signs of trepanation, a procedure involving the deliberate opening of the skull. The discovery was reported by the Turkish archaeology magazine Arkeofili, citing research conducted by a joint Italian-Uzbek archaeological team in the historic region of Northern Bactria, near the present-day border with Afghanistan. Researchers found the skeleton of a child who died at about age five in a shared grave with another child believed to have been about three years old. The burial dates to the late third millennium BCE, approximately 4,000 years ago. According to the researchers, the older child’s skull shows clear traces of cranial trepanation, likely performed using stone or bone tools. The marks indicate that the skull was intentionally opened, making it one of the oldest known examples of surgical intervention in Asia and potentially the earliest documented evidence of surgery in Central Asia. Trepanation was practiced in various ancient societies around the world. Scholars believe it may have been used to treat conditions such as head injuries, epilepsy, severe headaches, or behavioral disorders. However, researchers note that in prehistoric societies, the boundary between medicine and ritual practice was often unclear. The remains were discovered during excavations at Djarkutan, one of the major urban centers of the Oxus Civilization, also known as the Bactria-Margiana Archaeological Complex. The civilization flourished across parts of modern-day Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan between roughly 2500 BCE and 1500 BCE. It was known for its advanced agricultural systems, urban settlements, and rich material culture. The discovery adds to growing evidence that ancient Central Asia played a significant role in the development of early human societies. Last year, an international team of archaeologists reported finding evidence that hunter-gatherer communities in Uzbekistan’s Surkhandarya Valley harvested wild barley about 9,200 years ago. Researchers said the finding challenged the long-held view that the origins of agriculture were limited primarily to the Fertile Crescent.

5 days ago

Product Safety

Uzbekistan Withdraws Several Chinese-Made Toys Over Safety Concerns

Several Chinese-made children’s toys have been removed from sale in Uzbekistan after laboratory tests found that they failed to meet safety requirements, according to the Inspection for Control in the Field of Technical Regulation. The violations were discovered during a test purchase at a retail outlet in the city of Jizzakh. Specialists from the inspection agency’s regional branch, together with experts from the sanitary and epidemiological service, collected samples of several products, including an elastic spiral ball toy, a cat paw toy sold under the Pinch brand, and an Avengers Superhero toy. According to the inspection agency, laboratory testing revealed a number of safety issues. The toys reportedly emitted a strong odor, had protective coatings that were not resistant to moisture, contained small parts that were not securely attached, and showed insufficient resistance to mechanical stress. Tests also found formaldehyde levels exceeding established safety limits. Health experts warned that formaldehyde can irritate the respiratory system, eyes, and skin, and may trigger allergic reactions. Children are considered particularly vulnerable to such exposure. Inspectors also noted that detachable small parts could create choking hazards or cause injuries if swallowed. In addition to the physical safety concerns, authorities found that product labels lacked mandatory information in Uzbek. Officials said the identified violations did not comply with the country’s General Technical Regulation on the Safety of Children’s Toys. As a result, warning notices were issued to the businesses involved, and measures were taken to remove the products from store shelves and halt further sales. The case highlights the importance of toy safety standards, which are widely regulated around the world. International frameworks, including standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization and safety requirements used in the European Union, generally require toys to be free from hazardous levels of toxic substances, durable enough to withstand normal use, and designed to minimize risks such as choking, poisoning, or injury. This is not the first recent product safety case involving goods for children in Uzbekistan. In January, The Times of Central Asia reported on a Nestlé infant formula recall in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan linked to a potential contamination risk.

6 days ago

El Niño

El Niño Could Bring Unusually Heavy Summer Rains to Central Asia, WMO Warns

Central Asia could face unusually heavy rainfall during the summer of 2026 as the climate phenomenon known as El Niño is expected to return in the coming months, according to forecasts from the United Nations’ World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The WMO estimates there is an 80% chance that El Niño conditions will develop between June and August and a near or above 90% chance that they will persist until at least November. The organization says the event could contribute to a rise in extreme weather around the world, including heatwaves, droughts, and intense rainfall. According to the WMO, temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean have been steadily increasing and are approaching the thresholds typically associated with El Niño. Scientists have also detected a large reservoir of unusually warm water below the ocean’s surface, with temperatures more than six degrees Celsius above normal in some areas, providing additional energy for the phenomenon to intensify. For Central Asia, El Niño is often associated with higher-than-average precipitation. While the region is better known for its arid and semi-arid climate, past El Niño events have brought increased rainfall to parts of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo said countries should prepare for the possibility of stronger droughts and heavy rains, as well as elevated risks of heatwaves on land and in the oceans. “We need to prepare for a potentially strong El Niño event, which will exacerbate drought and heavy rainfall and increase the risk of heatwaves both on land and in the ocean,” Saulo said. UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the developing conditions as an urgent climate warning, saying El Niño would “pour fuel on the fire” of global warming and could accelerate the impacts of extreme weather worldwide. Seasonal forecasts released by the WMO also indicate that temperatures from June through August are likely to remain above normal across most regions of the world. Scientists note that while there is no evidence that climate change is making El Niño more frequent, a warmer atmosphere and warmer oceans can amplify its effects. The previous major El Niño episode, in 2023-2024, ranked among the five strongest on record and contributed to record global temperatures in 2024. The WMO says improved seasonal forecasting gives governments time to prepare for potential disruptions to agriculture, water resources, and disaster response systems before severe weather develops.

6 days ago

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