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Uzbekistan Looks to Nuclear Power for Energy Security

Uzbekistan is moving forward with plans to build its first nuclear power plant, a project that officials say is critical to the country’s long-term energy security. In an interview with the Alter Ego YouTube project, Azim Akhmadkhodjaev, head of Uzbekistan’s Atomic Energy Agency, argued that nuclear power is the only viable alternative to continued reliance on imported fossil fuels. “Let’s continue to import high-calorie coal, burn it, and poison our environment. Let's import tens of billions of cubic meters of gas and spend money on it. Or we can build a few nuclear power plants, reduce the cost of electricity, and become energy independent. Will we achieve energy independence? Undoubtedly, yes,” Akhmadkhodjaev said. A Strategic Partnership with Global Players The nuclear power project is being developed with Russian technical support, but Akhmadkhodjaev emphasized that this does not compromise Uzbekistan’s sovereignty. The plant will be fully owned and operated by Uzbekistan, with local specialists overseeing daily operations. “The nuclear island will be Russian because this technology is the most reliable and proven. However, the automated control system will be based on European technology, and the turbine equipment will be made in Europe or China,” he explained. In addition to Russian expertise, Uzbekistan is engaging with several French companies. Negotiations are ongoing with Assystem for technical support, Bureau Veritas for training specialists, and Framatome for managing key technical aspects of the project. Balancing Energy Sources While pursuing nuclear energy, Uzbekistan is also working to boost the share of renewables in its energy mix, from 16% today to 54% by 2030. Energy analysts say that a diversified portfolio, combining nuclear and renewable sources, will help the country meet its energy needs while minimizing environmental harm.

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French Companies Eye Role in Uzbekistan’s Nuclear Energy Plants

Uzbekistan is exploring collaboration with French firms in the construction of a small-capacity nuclear power plant (SCNPP) in the Jizzakh region, according to Azim Akhmadkhodjaev, Director of Uzbekistan’s Atomic Energy Agency, in an interview with Le Figaro. Akhmadkhodjaev noted that France could offer some of the most effective solutions and support for the project. Ongoing discussions involve several French companies: Assystem for technical support, Bureau Veritas for specialist training, and Framatome for technical management of the facility. Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy, Jurabek Mirzamakhmudov, emphasized that French companies view Uzbekistan not only as an investment opportunity but also as a technological partner. Talks have centered on training local personnel to meet the technical demands of the nuclear sector. Joanna Golas, president of the France-Uzbekistan Economic Chamber, underscored the importance of preparing skilled technical specialists for the project. Uzbekistan is also advancing its renewable energy agenda, aiming to raise the share of renewables in its energy mix from 16% to 54% by 2030. Cooperation with French companies could bolster the country's efforts to build a more sustainable and diversified energy system. Previously, Uzbekistan signed a protocol with Russia, appointing Rosatom as the main contractor for the SCNPP project in Jizzakh. The agreement includes the construction of six reactors with a combined capacity of 330 MW. A successful partnership with French firms would bring additional technological expertise to the table and complement the existing plan.

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Chevrolet vs China: The Battle for the Future of Uzbekistan’s Auto Industry

ANDIJAN -- Spend long enough in Uzbekistan and you become adept at reading numberplates. While in Paris or Los Angeles, you will generally identify your taxi by its color and its manufacturer; try doing that in Uzbekistan, and you run into a problem: for the past two decades or so, the color and manufacturer have invariably been White and Chevrolet. “Yep, it’s true,” laughed Alisher, as I remarked on this when he collected me from Andijan train station. “90% of the cars are Chevrolets, and 80% of them are white.” But this era of monochrome monopoly may be coming to an end. With the electric vehicle (EV) revolution sweeping the world, Chinese companies have Chevrolet’s kingdom in their sights. A Levy for the Chevy Islam Karimov, Uzbekistan’s first president, was alone among the leaders of former Soviet republics in being a trained economist. Schooled in the planned economy, his powerful state acquired control over key industries and sought to make Uzbekistan self-reliant. It did a deal with South Korean conglomerate Daewoo to open its first factory in Uzbekistan in 1996, while slapping huge tariffs on all cars coming into the country from abroad. Daewoo, caught up in the Asian Financial Crisis in 1998, sold its auto arm to General Motors in 2002. The Detroit giant saw little wrong with the deal they had inherited in Uzbekistan, and so continued to produce Daewoo cars but now under their Chevrolet branding. The partnership transformed streets all across the country, with practically the only other cars to be seen on the roads being old Ladas from the Soviet period. [caption id="attachment_29761" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] A Kia hoarding above, naught but Chevrolet's below; image: Joe Luc Barnes[/caption] This lack of choice nevertheless provided jobs and an industrial base for the country’s auto industry. “I am very proud that Uzbekistan has built such an industry,” said Aziz Shukurov, CEO of A Group, a chain of car dealerships and owner of the nation’s largest network of service stations. “Today, more than one hundred companies operate in the local automotive industry producing parts for the vehicles; a lot of technology has been transferred over the years with tens of thousands of people employed. To my mind, a strong local automotive industry is a substantial asset for any country.” Meeting Mr. Market After Karimov died in 2016, his successor, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, began to embrace the free market. Close to a decade later, Tashkent throughfares are home to ever more foreign brands. Most prominent are South Korea’s Kia and Hyundai and China’s BYD and Changan. “The new president started opening up the country from 2017, giving access to foreign institutions and companies to the Uzbekistan market,” said Farkhodjon Israilov, an expert who specializes in attracting foreign investment into the country. In 2019, the government removed import duties and excise taxes on EVs. Given the growing popularity of EVs since then, the state-owned UzAuto Motors partnered with BYD to open one of only two operational production facilities outside China – the...

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Uzbekistan Joins International Code for the Protection of Tourists

Uzbekistan has officially joined the International Code for the Protection of Tourists (ICPT), becoming the 26th country to do so. The announcement was made by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism), the agency responsible for promoting responsible and sustainable tourism worldwide. The ICPT aims to safeguard tourists' rights and ensure their safety while traveling. UN Tourism works to position tourism as a driver of economic growth, social inclusion, and environmental sustainability. The organization supports its 160 member states by providing policy guidance, educational resources, and crisis management strategies. It also helps countries enhance their tourism competitiveness through knowledge-sharing and training programs. Uzbekistan has been actively expanding its tourism sector, drawing visitors with its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks. Aziz Abdukhakimov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change, emphasized the significance of joining the ICPT, stating: "The International Code for the Protection of Tourists not only enhances the rights and protections of travelers but also strengthens trust in Uzbekistan as a welcoming and reliable destination." Uzbekistan’s efforts in tourism development have been widely recognized. According to the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index, the country was named the "World’s Most Active Country in Tourism Development" in 2024. Additionally, at a ceremony in London, Uzbekistan won the "Best Emerging Destination" award at the prestigious Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2024. To facilitate travel for foreign visitors, Uzbekistan has implemented key policy changes. Citizens of more than 90 countries can now enter Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days, and an electronic visa system has been introduced to simplify the application process. As a result, in 2024, Uzbekistan welcomed 8.6 million foreign tourists, generating $2.7 billion in tourism revenue.

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Central Asia’s AI Pursuit: A Tale of Ambition and Progress

The term “rare earth metals” has become a buzzword in the modern geo-economic lexicon, popularized by U.S. President Donald Trump in contexts where American investments are expected. However, before that, “artificial intelligence” (AI) had already emerged as a global symbol of technological advancement and economic competitiveness. At least four of the five Central Asian republics have joined the race to implement AI technologies, though, until recently, two of them lacked the necessary prerequisites for such a leap. Kazakhstan Sets the Pace A key factor for the successful adoption of AI is the level of digitalization, an area in which Kazakhstan has made significant progress. The country’s digital transformation began with the banking sector and later expanded to public services, with nearly 100% of government services now available online. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, making digital access to state institutions and banks a necessity. Since 2022, when AI became synonymous with technological leadership, exemplified by developments in China and the U.S., Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has actively promoted AI initiatives. In the summer of 2023, the government adopted the Concept for the Development of Artificial Intelligence for 2024-2029. During discussions on this initiative, officials reviewed measures already in place, such as Smart Data Ukimet, a centralized system integrating data from 93 government databases. Plans include deploying a supercomputer, expanding data processing centers, launching a national AI platform, and enhancing fiber-optic networks. Additionally, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education is working on a large language model (LLM) focused on the Kazakh language and cultural heritage. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has set a clear goal: “By 2029, the number of AI-based products should increase fivefold. The share of educational programs related to AI must also expand. We need qualified specialists in this field, and it is crucial to consider the needs of domestic companies, which will have a multiplier effect on the economy.” Bektenov also emphasized the role of the National Center for AI in fostering youth involvement, developing human capital, and promoting AI culture. Furthermore, he instructed the Ministry of Justice to enhance legal frameworks for AI regulation. In December 2024, President Tokayev presented Kazakhstan’s first Kazakh language AI model, KazLLM, expressing satisfaction with its development: “We have taught artificial intelligence to think, analyze, and communicate in Kazakh. This achievement opens new prospects for our language in the digital sphere. We must build a Multimodal Language Model, capable of processing various data types simultaneously.” On March 3, 2025, Kazakhstan’s Mazhilis (lower house of parliament) reviewed a draft law, On Artificial Intelligence. If passed, it will be the world’s second AI law after the European AI Act. Uzbekistan's Ambitious Strategy Uzbekistan, another Central Asian country vying for AI leadership, has similarly prioritized digitalization. However, it lags slightly behind Kazakhstan in implementation speed. On October 14, 2024, Uzbekistan adopted its Strategy for the Development of Artificial Intelligence Technologies Until 2030, which outlines several ambitious targets: Increasing AI-driven software and services to $1.5 billion Expanding AI-powered government services on the Single Portal of...

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Uzbekistan Leads Global Gold Purchases in January

Uzbekistan was the world’s largest gold buyer in January 2025, according to the World Gold Council (WGC). Global central banks continued their gold-buying spree at the start of the year, with net purchases totaling 18 tons for the month. The WGC notes that this sustained demand highlights gold’s strategic importance in central bank reserves, as many countries view it as a safe-haven asset amid geopolitical uncertainty. Uzbekistan Tops the List The Central Bank of Uzbekistan purchased 8 tons of gold in January, increasing the country’s gold reserves to 391 tons. Gold now accounts for 82% of Uzbekistan’s total international reserves. China was the second-largest buyer, adding 5 tons to its holdings. By the end of January, China’s total gold reserves had reached 2,285 tons, representing 6% of its total assets. Kazakhstan ranked third, purchasing 4 tons, followed by Poland and India with 3 tons each. The Czech Republic added 2 tons, while Qatar increased its reserves by 1 ton. Gold Sales and Market Trends While several countries increased their gold holdings, others reduced their reserves. Russia and Jordan each sold 3 tons, while Kyrgyzstan offloaded 2 tons in January. In 2023, Uzbekistan was the world’s second-largest gold seller, offloading over 25 tons, according to the WGC. Kazakhstan led global sales that year, selling nearly twice as much as Uzbekistan. Despite these sales, Uzbekistan’s gold exports generated $8.15 billion in 2023, nearly double the revenue from 2022. Meanwhile, China was the world’s top gold buyer last year, purchasing almost 230 tons. Other major buyers included Poland, Singapore, Libya, and the Czech Republic.