Uzbekistan - The Times Of Central Asia

Viewing results 1 - 6 of 970

Uzbekistan Launches Two New Environmental Projects

Uzbekistan has initiated two major international projects aimed at environmental protection and advancing the green economy. The projects, spearheaded by the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change in partnership with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), are funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) with a total budget of $6.5 million. Both initiatives are set to run through 2030. Project 1: Updating the National Biodiversity Strategy The first initiative, titled the “Comprehensive Programme to Support the Renewal of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and the Seventh National Report,” is part of a global effort involving 69 countries, including Uzbekistan. This project aims to update Uzbekistan’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan in alignment with the Global Biodiversity Framework. The updated plan will guide the country’s efforts to conserve its rich biodiversity and address environmental challenges. Project 2: Restoring Valuable Ecosystems The second project, named “Integrated Management for the Protection and Restoration of Highly Valuable Landscapes in Uzbekistan,” focuses on restoring ecosystems and exploring sustainable financing methods for biodiversity conservation. Pilot areas for this initiative include the Western Tien Shan, Nurata Mountains, and Kugitang landscapes. These ecologically significant regions are home to diverse flora and fauna and are considered critical for Uzbekistan’s environmental health. A key partner in the ecosystem restoration project is the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which established a regional office in Tashkent in 2024 to support conservation efforts in Central Asia. Key Statements Deputy Minister of Ecology Iskandar Kutbiddinov highlighted the importance of these projects during their launch. “These initiatives align with Uzbekistan’s goals for a greener future and will play a vital role in preserving our country’s biodiversity and ecosystems,” Kutbiddinov said. UNDP Resident Representative Akiko Fujii also praised the country’s environmental efforts, noting that “Uzbekistan is taking significant steps to protect and restore its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems.” With the launch of these two projects, Uzbekistan is strengthening its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. By aligning with global biodiversity goals and restoring vital ecosystems, the country is paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.

Central Asia Kazakhstan Lead Story Home Uzbekistan International Affairs Uzbekistan Home Kazakhstan Kazakhstan International Affairs Features Uzbekistan International Affairs Kazakhstan Home

Jackson-Vanik and Kazakhstan: One Step Away from Repeal

The U.S. Senate has confirmed Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, raising hopes among Central Asian leaders - particularly in Kazakhstan - that his recent comments regarding the Jackson-Vanik amendment may soon translate into concrete action to repeal this outdated policy, which continues to hinder mutual trade. Passed in 1974 as part of the Trade Act under President Gerald Ford, the Jackson-Vanik amendment was designed to penalize countries with non-market economies that restricted emigration, particularly targeting the Soviet Union. The amendment specifically sought to pressure the USSR to allow its Jewish population to emigrate freely, while also protesting the suppression of Judaism and other religious practices. The amendment achieved a measure of success by 1989, when the Iron Curtain fell and Soviet Jews were permitted to emigrate in large numbers, primarily to Israel and the United States. However, the policy remained in place, even after the dissolution of the USSR, applying to the newly independent Central Asian republics despite their vastly different political and economic landscapes. On January 15, Rubio delivered a nearly five-hour confirmation speech during a Senate hearing for his nomination as Secretary of State under the Donald Trump administration. Among the topics discussed was the Jackson-Vanik amendment. Senator Steve Daines specifically asked Rubio for his position on the amendment, emphasizing that its repeal could normalize U.S. trade relations with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Rubio described the amendment as “an absurd relic of the past,” asserting that it no longer serves any meaningful purpose in pressuring Central Asian countries on human rights. He warned that continued use of such measures could push nations like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan closer to Russia’s sphere of influence. Rubio singled out Kazakhstan, noting that the country had “successfully met the conditions” to transition to a market economy, as evidenced by its accession to the World Trade Organization several years ago. He pledged to work with lawmakers to repeal the Jackson-Vanik amendment, signaling a shift in U.S. policy toward fostering deeper economic ties with the region. Why Central Asia Was Left Behind The continued application of the Jackson-Vanik amendment to Central Asia can be partially explained by the differing domestic policies of its key players - Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Under Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan quickly abandoned Soviet-era restrictions on emigration and took steps to promote religious tolerance and interfaith harmony. By contrast, Uzbekistan under Islam Karimov maintained many of the Soviet Union’s repressive practices, including restrictions on religious minorities. This disparity in policies contributed to Washington’s perception of the region as monolithic and resistant to reform, discouraging efforts to lift the amendment. Recent Developments and Challenges In recent years, there have been efforts to lower trade barriers between the U.S. and Central Asia, particularly through initiatives like the B5+1 dialogue, which aims to attract greater Western investment to the region. However, the Jackson-Vanik amendment complicates these efforts, as countries must secure an annual waiver from the U.S. President to maintain normal trade relations. Kazakhstan has emerged as the frontrunner in advocating for the amendment’s repeal. An...

Central Asia Home Uzbekistan Business & Economy Uzbekistan Business & Economy

eBay Officially Registers for Tax Purposes in Uzbekistan

The American e-commerce giant eBay has officially registered for tax purposes in Uzbekistan, according to UzDaily. As a result, eBay will now pay value-added tax (VAT) on its services in the country. Other global companies, including Netflix, Amazon, Google, Apple, and Zoom, are also registered with Uzbekistan’s special tax office for foreign digital companies. In total, 64 foreign companies are currently complying with the country’s VAT requirements. The Tax Committee of Uzbekistan reported that 61 foreign companies providing electronic services contributed 101.9 billion UZS (approximately $7.89 million USD) in taxes to the national budget between January and September 2024. This represents a 2.1-fold increase compared to the same period in 2023, highlighting the growing importance of foreign digital service providers in Uzbekistan's economy. In December 2024, Uzbekistan introduced new regulations requiring all companies providing e-commerce services to register as legal entities in the country. Despite their tax registrations, major platforms like eBay and Amazon have not yet established physical offices in Uzbekistan, raising questions about their long-term plans for expanding operations in the local market. In related news, The Times of Central Asia previously reported that Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, will officially begin offering services to users in Uzbekistan. This move underscores the country’s growing focus on integrating global digital platforms into its economy. eBay’s registration for VAT in Uzbekistan marks another step in the country’s efforts to regulate and tax the growing digital economy. As more global companies comply with Uzbekistan’s tax requirements, questions remain about whether these platforms will deepen their presence in the country by establishing local offices.

Central Asia Uzbekistan Business & Economy Uzbekistan Business & Economy

Uzbekistan Receives $14.8 Billion in Remittances in 2024

The total volume of remittances sent to Uzbekistan in 2024 reached a record $14.8 billion, marking a 30% increase - equivalent to $3.4 billion - compared to the previous year. This data comes from the Central Bank’s Brief Review on Currency Transactions of Individuals. Key Sources of Remittances Russia remains the dominant source of remittances for Uzbekistan, accounting for 77% of the total, or $11.5 billion - a 29% increase from 2023. Other key contributors include: Kazakhstan: $795 million United States: $577 million South Korea: $534 million Turkey: $405 million United Kingdom: $135 million July saw the highest inflow of remittances, with $1.785 billion received, while February recorded the lowest amount, at $738 million. Remittance growth varied significantly by country / region: United Kingdom: Up 83% South Korea: Up 56% United States: Up 35% European Union: Up 32% While inflows surged, the volume of remittances sent abroad from Uzbekistan also grew, increasing by 19% in 2024 to reach $2.8 billion. Russia remains the largest source of remittances to Uzbekistan, thanks to the significant number of Uzbek migrants working there. However, new restrictions introduced in 47 Russian regions, including the occupied territories of Crimea, Sevastopol, and Zaporozhye, could negatively impact Central Asian migrant workers. According to the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs, there were more than 6.1 million foreigners in Russia in 2024, the majority from Central Asia and other CIS countries. Among them, over 1.88 million Uzbek citizens visited Russia during the first eight months of the year, underscoring the strong ties between Uzbek migrant labor and Russia's economy. The substantial increase in remittances highlights the critical role of labor migration in Uzbekistan’s economy. However, the evolving regulatory environment in key source countries like Russia could pose challenges for Central Asian migrants and, by extension, Uzbekistan’s remittance-dependent economy.

Central Asia Home Uzbekistan Lead Story Life & Culture Uzbekistan Home Features Uzbekistan Life & Culture

Kindergarten in Uzbekistan Stages Dangerous Show with Poisonous Cobras

A kindergarten in Uzbekistan sparked widespread outrage after staging a performance involving poisonous Central Asian cobras, a species listed in the Red Book of Uzbekistan's endangered plant and animals. Footage of the event, which was shared on social media, showed the snakes being handled in close proximity to children, raising serious concerns about safety and animal welfare. In the video, a man can be seen demonstrating two venomous snakes to a group of young children, with no apparent safety measures in place. The cobras were allowed to move freely on the floor near the children. The Uzbek language heard in the recording confirms the location as Uzbekistan, but the exact location of the kindergarten has yet to be identified. The incident has prompted public outcry, with many questioning the judgment of the organizers and the lack of safeguards for the children. So far, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education has refrained from issuing an official statement. The situation has caught the attention of the Children's Ombudsman in Uzbekistan. The Ombudsman’s press service announced that law enforcement agencies are actively working to determine the circumstances and location of the performance, as well as the identities of those responsible. A full investigation is underway, and the organizers’ actions will be subject to legal assessment once the inquiry is complete. This is not the first time unauthorized animal performances have taken place in Uzbekistan. In December of last year, a similar case was reported in the Koshrabad district of the Samarkand region. Two individuals held unauthorized shows at schools and kindergartens, featuring a tiger python. The snake was later confiscated and handed over to the regional department of ecology. These incidents highlight a recurring issue of unregulated animal performance in educational institutions, raising questions about safety, legal oversight, and the ethical treatment of wildlife.

Home Uzbekistan Business & Economy Uzbekistan Business & Economy

Binance Officially Launches Operations in Uzbekistan

The National Agency for Prospective Projects has announced that Binance, one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchanges, will officially provide services to users in Uzbekistan. According to the agency’s press service, Binance will operate in the country through the local company CoinPay LLC, ensuring compliance with Uzbekistan’s laws. Residents of Uzbekistan will be able to access the platform via coinpay.uz, which will allow users to deposit and withdraw funds in the national currency using bank cards and local payment systems. “The system will launch after integrating all partner platforms, including national payment systems,” the agency stated. Legal Challenges Resolved This development comes after Binance faced regulatory challenges in Uzbekistan. In January 2024, the National Agency for Prospective Projects fined Binance for non-compliance with the country’s laws on cryptocurrency asset turnover. The agency subsequently filed a lawsuit in the Tashkent City Economic Court to enforce the fine. The court trial, which ran from March 26 to June 7, 2024, ruled in favor of the agency. Binance was fined 300 base calculation amounts, which the company paid in full to the state budget. Binance’s Expansion in Central Asia Uzbekistan is the latest addition to Binance’s growing presence in Central Asia. The exchange launched its first local digital asset platform in the region in Kazakhstan in June 2023. This platform is based at the Astana International Financial Center. Later that year, Binance Kazakhstan partnered with the National Bank of Kazakhstan and the National Payment Corporation to implement a groundbreaking project: the issuance of the world’s first stablecoin backed by a national digital currency. This innovation was tested on the BNB Smart Chain (BSC) network. Binance has also made efforts to engage with the cryptocurrency community in Kyrgyzstan. In January 2023, the company held its first community meet-up in the country. In May of that year, Binance’s regional head for Central Asia, Kirill Khomyakov, described Kyrgyzstan as a promising market for cryptocurrency development. However, despite these initiatives, Binance has not yet officially launched operations in the Republic. Binance’s official entry into Uzbekistan marks another step in its strategic expansion across Central Asia. By complying with local regulations and collaborating with a licensed partner, Binance has reinforced its commitment to integrating its platform into Uzbekistan’s growing cryptocurrency landscape.