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Trans-Afghan Railway

Uzbekistan Approves Feasibility Study for Trans-Afghan Railway

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has approved an intergovernmental agreement on the joint development of a feasibility study for the construction of the Trans-Afghan railway, which will link Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. According to the presidential resolution, the agreement between Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Works, and Pakistan’s Ministry of Railways provides for the preparation of technical and economic documentation for a new railway line from Naibabad to Kharlachi. The document formalizes cooperation on the next stage of the long-discussed regional transport corridor. Under the resolution, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been instructed to notify the Afghan and Pakistani sides that all necessary domestic procedures required for the agreement’s entry into force have been completed. The Trans-Afghan railway project was first proposed by Tashkent in December 2018 as a strategic initiative to provide Central Asia with direct access to Pakistani seaports. The original concept envisaged extending Afghanistan’s rail network from Mazar-i-Sharif through Kabul and Logar province before crossing into Pakistan. An earlier proposed route was expected to pass through Nangarhar province and the Torkham border crossing into Peshawar. In July 2023, however, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan agreed on a revised alignment. The updated route will run from Termez to Naibabad, then through Maidan Shahr and Logar to Kharlachi, excluding the previously discussed Torkham crossing. Once connected to Pakistan’s railway network, cargo will be able to reach the Pakistani ports of Karachi, Gwadar, and Qasim. The railway is expected to stretch approximately 647 kilometers. According to recent statements by Uzbek officials, the estimated construction cost is $6.9 billion, although earlier projections ranged from $4.6 billion to $7 billion. The project is regarded by the participating countries as a key component of efforts to strengthen regional connectivity and expand trade routes between Central and South Asia.

Healthcare

Uzbekistan and Russia to Develop Nuclear Medicine Strategy Ahead of 2026 Center Opening

Uzbekistan will develop a roadmap and long-term strategy for the advancement of nuclear medicine, according to the press service of the Atomic Energy Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers, Uzatom. The announcement followed a working meeting held on February 10 at Uzatom to discuss prospects for expanding nuclear medicine in the country. The meeting brought together representatives of the Ministry of Health, the Healthcare Projects Center, the Committee for Industrial, Radiation and Nuclear Safety, the Institute of Nuclear Physics of the Academy of Sciences, the state enterprise Radiopreparat, leading medical centers, and experts from Rosatom’s engineering division, underscoring growing cooperation between Uzbekistan and Russia in the sector. During the discussions, the Russian side presented its experience in building modern nuclear medicine infrastructure, including cyclotron complexes, radiopharmaceutical production facilities, and PET/CT diagnostic centers, as well as implementing turnkey international projects. Following the talks, the parties agreed to jointly draft a roadmap and strategy that will provide a framework for technology transfer, specialist training, and improvements in healthcare services. The initiative is intended to strengthen early cancer diagnosis and expand access to advanced treatment methods based on nuclear technologies. The construction of a Nuclear Medicine Center in Tashkent has begun. The center is scheduled to be equipped in 2026 with PET/CT scanners, a cyclotron, a radiopharmaceutical laboratory, as well as Gamma Knife and CyberKnife systems. The broader program also involves upgrading oncology services, promoting early cancer detection, training medical personnel to international standards, and deepening cooperation with Russia and Rosatom. Uzatom stated that it will continue to support the introduction of advanced technologies aimed at improving access to modern cancer diagnostics and treatment. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, citing IQVIA data, Uzbekistan’s pharmaceutical market reached $2.14 billion in the twelve months to September 2025, reflecting continued expansion and rising demand for medical services.

Winter Olympic Games

Parents of Olympic Gold Medalist Ilia Malinin Skated for Uzbekistan

Known as the “Quad God,” American figure skater Ilia Malinin helped the United States win a team gold medal at the Winter Olympics with a performance that included a rare backflip. The young star is building on a family legacy: his Russia-born parents, Tatiana Malinina and Roman Skorniakov, skated at the elite level for Uzbekistan for many years. “It runs in the family,” the Olympic Games organization said on social media. Malinina, 53, and Skorniakov, 49, decided to compete in figure skating for Uzbekistan after its independence from the Soviet Union, which collapsed in 1991. They represented the country at the Winter Olympics at Nagano, Japan in 1998 and Salt Lake City in the United States in 2002. Both were national champions in Uzbekistan and the couple coached each other at one point. They moved to the United States and got jobs as skating coaches in Virginia. Their pupils included son Ilia, who was born in the U.S. in 2004 and took up skating when he was a young boy. Malinin, 21, got the “Quad God” nickname because of his ability to perform the extremely difficult quadruple axel jump. But it was his team event backflip, a move that was once banned partly because it was considered too dangerous, that really fired up the crowd in Milan on Sunday. He stuck the landing on one skate. Tennis champion Novak Djokovic was in the audience and put his hands on his head in awe after Malinin’s daring maneuver on the ice. Malinin’s grandfather on his mother’s side was also a figure skater. His younger sister has also competed in the sport. His mother Tatiana Malinina said that she and her husband initially didn’t want their son to get serious about figure skating. After all, they were well aware of the time, sacrifice and dedication that is required to succeed at the highest level. “When our son was born, we were thinking, ‘Oh no, we’re not going to do this anymore,´” Malinina said in an International Skating Union interview. But young Ilia would show up at the skating rink, making his own programs to music. His parents taught him a few things but didn’t push him. Over time, the young boy’s talent, discipline and focus on excellence became apparent. Now Malinin is the two-time defending world champion. At a news conference last week, ahead of the Winter Olympics, he said he had been learning how to handle expectations and use them to channel his motivation and deliver on the ice. “I’m honestly thankful for all the pressure and the attention,” Malinin said.

Education

Uzbekistan Bets on Digital Schools to Turn Demographic Growth into Human Capital

With one of Central Asia’s youngest populations and a rapidly changing economy, Uzbekistan is betting that education – particularly digital and inclusive schooling – can determine whether demographic growth becomes an economic asset or a long-term challenge. Officials from Uzbekistan's Ministry of Preschool and School Education say the country’s education system is being reshaped to support a development model centered on human capital, equal opportunity, and modern skills. The reforms are anchored in the national Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy, which identifies education and human capital development as central pillars of long-term economic and social transformation. Around 6.8 million students are enrolled in almost 11,000 general education schools across Uzbekistan, while the preschool system now includes over 38,000 institutions serving children nationwide. While access has expanded significantly over the past decade, disparities in quality – particularly between urban centers and rural regions – remain a persistent challenge. Digital Education as a Strategic Lever To address these gaps, the Ministry is increasingly turning to online and blended learning. Digital platforms are being used to deliver standardized educational content nationwide, offering students in remote areas access to lessons and teaching materials that were previously unavailable. An official from the Ministry described online education as “a complementary tool rather than a replacement for traditional schooling,” emphasizing its role in supporting both students and teachers. Pilot projects supported by UNICEF have tested inclusive digital school models that combine classroom instruction with online resources in underserved regions. Beyond student learning, digitalization is also reshaping how the education system is managed. Electronic education management systems now allow authorities to track attendance, learning outcomes, and regional disparities more systematically, supporting data-driven policymaking and resource allocation. Teachers at the Center of Reform Teacher capacity remains one of the most critical variables in the success of digital reform. Online professional development programs, including short-format training under initiatives such as ISHONCH 2030, are being used to help teachers and school leaders adopt modern practices. Officials argue that digital tools can reduce teacher workload and support independent learning. However, they also acknowledge that technology alone cannot solve systemic challenges without sustained investment in training, infrastructure, and long-term support. Aligning with Global Development Priorities Uzbekistan’s education reforms broadly align with findings from World Bank analytical work on human capital and growth, which highlights education quality, digital skills, and reduced regional inequality as long-term priorities. The report highlights the importance of digital skills, reduced regional inequality, and closer alignment between education systems and labor market needs. The Ministry says these priorities are increasingly embedded in national policy. Cooperation with international partners – including the World Bank, UNICEF, the Global Partnership for Education, and the European Union – supports curriculum reform, digital infrastructure expansion, and efforts to narrow regional gaps in learning outcomes. Education and skills development were also highlighted as core priorities at the 2024 Country Platform meeting, reinforcing the sector’s strategic importance within the broader Uzbekistan 2030 agenda. The Road to 2030 By the end of the decade, the Ministry of Preschool and School...

Infrastructure Development

Uzbekistan and Islamic Development Bank Sign $164 Million Agreements for Roads and Schools

Uzbekistan and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) have signed new financing agreements totaling $164 million to support major infrastructure and education initiatives, further deepening a partnership that plays a key role in the country’s long-term development strategy. The agreements were formalized on February 8 in AlUla, Saudi Arabia, during the Second AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies. Prior to the signing, both sides held bilateral talks focused on scaling up cooperation across transport, education, and other high-priority sectors. The discussions emphasized the importance of projects that strengthen regional connectivity and human capital. Road Infrastructure: 4R40 Project One agreement allocates $70 million under the IsDB’s broader $192 million commitment for the 4R40 road project. The funds will support the reconstruction of 143 kilometers of the Dashtabad-Zaamin-Bakhmal-Galyaaral highway, as well as the rehabilitation of 30 kilometers of local and rural roads in the Jizzakh region. The road upgrades are expected to ease transit bottlenecks, enhance safety, and improve access to markets and public services for approximately 200,000 residents. The project will also strengthen regional links to the M39 international transport corridor. Education Reform: SmartEd Project The second agreement covers $94.06 million, part of a total contribution of $160.25 million for the SmartEd project, a national initiative aimed at transforming Uzbekistan’s education system. Funds will be used to build and equip 58 new schools and expand existing institutions with an additional 2,431 classrooms. The initiative targets nearly 73,000 students annually, with provisions for specialized training for over 36,000 teachers and administrators. The project is designed to promote a competency-based, inclusive education system. A Broader Partnership These new agreements build on earlier commitments. At the first AlUla conference in February 2023, Uzbekistan and the IsDB signed $299 million in financing deals, laying the foundation for the infrastructure and education reforms now entering the implementation phase.

Trump Administration

U.S. to Host “Board of Peace” Meeting on February 19

The United States plans to host a meeting this month of the “Board of Peace” that President Donald Trump set up. The attendance list is still in the works, and there is no word yet on whether the leaders of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, which are among more than two-dozen member countries, will attend the gathering in Washington on February 19. Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and his Uzbek counterpart Shavkat Mirziyoyev traveled to Davos, Switzerland, last month to join Trump for the signing ceremony of the board, which supporters say is aimed at resolving Gaza and other conflicts around the world. There are concerns, however, that the international mechanism could undermine the United Nations, and critics question the sweeping power that Trump holds over the board, as chairman with veto power and no term limits. The White House plans to hold the meeting in Washington, D.C. to support implementation of the Gaza cease-fire deal and raise funds for reconstruction of the territory, the Axios news outlet has reported. It said planning is in the early stages and could change. Axios attributed the information to a U.S. official and diplomats from several countries that are on the board. Other media organizations also reported on the planned meeting this month. President Javier Milei of Argentina will attend the meeting, according to the Argentine government. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán is also expected to attend. The involvement of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan in the Board of Peace reflects their goals of playing a more robust role on the international stage as well as the expanding relationship, particularly centered around trade and investment, between the United States and Central Asia. Azerbaijan is also among the countries that signed up to join the Board of Peace. Some traditional U.S. allies, including in Europe, have not joined the U.S.-led organization, partly because of concerns over the board structure. Additionally, their relations with Washington have frayed over tariffs, U.S. plans to take over Greenland, and other issues.