Shavkat Mirziyoyev - The Times Of Central Asia

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Labor Migration

Belarus Plans to Recruit 5,000 More Workers From Uzbekistan as Labor Partnership Expands

Belarus plans to recruit another 5,000 workers from Uzbekistan’s Andijan Region, significantly expanding a labor migration program that has become one of the most visible outcomes of the growing partnership between the two countries. The announcement was made by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko during a working visit to the Orsha district of the Vitebsk Region on July 14. Speaking alongside Andijan regional governor Shukhrat Abdurakhmanov, Lukashenko said the additional workers would begin arriving in groups of 500 from September 2026. The new recruitment drive follows agreements reached during Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s official visit to Belarus earlier this month, when the two countries elevated their relationship to a strategic partnership and pledged to deepen cooperation across multiple sectors, including labor migration. During his visit to Vitebsk, Lukashenko described the project as beneficial for both sides. “I promised the President that we would do this. It is beneficial for us,” he said. “This will help develop the Vitebsk Region.” He also sought to reassure future workers that they would receive the same treatment as local residents. “When they come here, they must know that they are not strangers to us,” Lukashenko said. “Everything we build will be for people for Uzbeks and Belarusians alike. There will be no difference. Your children will attend kindergartens and schools under the same conditions as Belarusian children. The only thing is that they should work.” According to Belarusian officials, Uzbek citizens will work in agriculture and construction. They will also work in industry and the service sector, while some will take junior medical roles. Authorities said the first group of 255 workers had already arrived and been assigned to workplaces across the region. The partnership extends well beyond employment. Belarus plans to provide the Uzbek side with 10 cattle-fattening facilities across seven districts together with 8,000 hectares of agricultural land. The meat produced there is expected to be exported to Uzbekistan. Another 2,000 hectares in the Beshenkovichi district will be allocated to Uzbek partners for potato cultivation, while Belarus will provide seed potatoes and technical support, including agricultural expertise. Officials are also discussing projects in wood processing, including a modern timber-processing plant backed by Uzbek investment and a facility producing pellets for export to Uzbekistan. Lukashenko said implementation should begin without delay. “We should start doing it without postponing,” he said. Plans also include establishing an Uzbek construction trust staffed by Uzbek workers to build and maintain Uzbekistan’s facilities in Belarus. An Uzbek trade house has already opened in Vitebsk, while premises have been selected for an Uzbek restaurant. Belarusian authorities also intend to transfer a former boarding school in Bahushewsk that will be converted into a recreation center for Uzbek citizens. On the Uzbek side, the Migration Agency reported that more than 250 residents of Andijan Region recently flew to Belarus on a charter flight to work temporarily in agriculture and livestock farming. The agency said the project is being implemented under a simplified procedure based on a trilateral agreement involving the Andijan regional government, the...

Investment Project Implementation

Uzbekistan Pushes to Turn $43 Billion in Investment Deals into Economic Growth

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has instructed officials to accelerate the implementation of investment agreements signed during the 5th Tashkent International Investment Forum, stressing that every deal must deliver tangible economic results rather than remain on paper. Speaking at a government meeting on June 25, Mirziyoyev said the forum resulted in 177 agreements worth $43 billion with foreign partners. He added that each agreement should be transformed into concrete projects that create jobs and generate higher added value. “Every agreement must become a project, a workplace, and a source of high added value,” the president said. Officials were ordered to prepare decisions addressing 120 proposals submitted by foreign investors during the forum. Mirziyoyev also called on ministers and regional governors to rethink their approach to investment, placing greater emphasis on quality and efficiency. According to the president, half of all investment attracted to Uzbekistan over the past five years has gone to just four regions, but economic returns differ sharply. In Fergana, he said, every UZS 1 million invested generates an additional UZS 273,000 ($22.78) in gross regional product. In Samarkand, the figure is UZS 262,000. In Bukhara, it is UZS 117,000 ($9.76), roughly half the return in stronger-performing regions. The meeting also focused on the growing demand for construction materials driven by Uzbekistan’s ambitious development plans. Earlier this year, the government adopted a long-term housing program aiming to double the number of new homes built annually to 280,000 by 2040 and increase the number of “New Uzbekistan” residential districts from 61 to 120. In addition, Uzbekistan is commissioning 20 to 25 million square meters of commercial buildings every year, creating annual demand for at least $10 billion worth of construction materials. During the investment forum, the government also presented $27 billion in new infrastructure projects to international investors. These include a nuclear power plant in Jizzakh, a fourth copper processing plant in Tashkent Region, New Tashkent Airport with an annual capacity of 20 million passengers, a 55,000-seat stadium in New Tashkent, and a 282-kilometer highway linking Tashkent and Samarkand. Mirziyoyev said these large-scale projects require construction materials that meet strict international standards and instructed officials to establish a new system linking domestic manufacturers with major investment projects. The president also ordered the government to prepare proposals ensuring equal conditions for imported and locally produced construction materials. While foreign investors have requested value-added tax exemptions for imported materials used in major projects, domestic manufacturers argue that the same incentives should apply to local products, saying they are ready to compete on quality and standards. The meeting also addressed financial difficulties in the construction materials sector. According to officials, 457 companies have accumulated 3.5 trillion soums ($292,101,250) in overdue loans because their products remain too expensive or fail to meet current market demand. To help revive the sector, Mirziyoyev ordered officials to develop recovery plans for each company and allocate $50 million to modernize production facilities, reduce manufacturing costs, and support the production of more competitive goods.

Foreign Investment

Foreign Investment in Uzbekistan Gains Strong Momentum

Foreign direct investment remains one of Uzbekistan’s key tools for supporting sustainable economic growth. The country is expanding capital inflows to finance large-scale projects in the power sector, industry, and infrastructure. According to the Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), accumulated investment in Uzbekistan from countries in the Eurasian region, China, the Gulf states, and Turkey reached $32.9 billion in 2025, 2.6 times the 2020 level. Over the five-year period, the total rose by more than $20 billion, making Uzbekistan one of the most active investment destinations in Eurasia. China remains the largest investor in Uzbekistan’s economy, with accumulated investment reaching $10.7 billion, more than five times the level recorded five years earlier. More than half of Chinese investment was directed into the power sector, mainly solar and wind energy projects. More than $3.3 billion went into industrial projects, including petrochemicals, automotive manufacturing, and construction materials production. The Gulf states recorded the fastest investment growth in Uzbekistan. Over five years, investment volumes rose nearly 19 times to $8.3 billion. Around 90% of these funds are concentrated in power generation and renewable energy projects. The largest investors include ACWA Power, with projects worth $4 billion, as well as Masdar and the Uzbek-Oman Investment Company. Turkey increased its investment in Uzbekistan 5.5 times to $3.1 billion, mainly in the power and manufacturing sectors. Among the leading Turkish investors is Aksa Energy, which is building thermal power plants across several regions of the country. Other Turkish firms are involved in beverage production, construction materials, and cement manufacturing. Thirteen countries in the Eurasian region, including the Commonwealth of Independent States, Georgia, Mongolia, and Ukraine, invested $10.8 billion in Uzbekistan, primarily in oil, gas, and petrochemicals. Russia remains the largest source of investment among these countries. Kazakhstan’s role has also expanded, with its investment in Uzbekistan rising more than 11 times to nearly $700 million. Speaking at the 5th Tashkent International Investment Forum on June 17, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said the country had attracted more than $150 billion in foreign investment over recent years, including $123 billion over the past five years. According to Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade, the total volume of investments implemented in the country in 2025 reached $43.1 billion, up 24% from the previous year. The ministry said foreign direct investment accounted for $38.2 billion, while funding from international financial institutions totaled $4.9 billion. In its macroeconomic outlook for 2026-2028, the EDB forecasts that Uzbekistan’s economy will grow by around 6.8% in 2026, supported by strong investment activity and favorable gold prices. Inflation is expected to continue declining toward the Central Bank of Uzbekistan’s target and may slow to 6.7% by the end of 2026. The EDB also said the national currency would be supported by high remittance levels and growth in metal exports.

Bilateral Relations

Uzbekistan Mahallasi Opens in Turkey’s Earthquake-Hit Hatay

A residential complex built by Uzbekistan in Turkey’s Hatay Province has officially become the center of a new neighborhood named “Uzbekistan Mahallasi,” marking another milestone in the growing partnership between the two countries. According to Uzbekistan’s Dunyo Information Agency, an opening ceremony was held in the Arsuz district of Hatay. Officials also inaugurated Shavkat Mirziyoyev Boulevard, along with Tashkent and Samarkand Streets. The event brought together senior officials from both countries, including Nuriddin Ismoilov, Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis; Jurabek Rakhimov, governor of Khorezm Region; Numan Kurtulmuş, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey; Hatay Governor Mustafa Masatlı; and representatives of local authorities and residents. The housing development is part of Uzbekistan’s assistance to Turkey following the devastating earthquakes that struck southern Turkey on February 6, 2023, causing widespread destruction across Hatay and several neighboring provinces. Speaking at the ceremony, Kurtulmuş described the project as a symbol of gratitude to the Uzbek people for their support during one of Turkey’s most difficult periods. “Today, it is a source of special pride for us to immortalize names in Arsuz that reflect the great historical and cultural heritage of Uzbekistan,” Kurtulmuş said. “This step symbolizes the respect and appreciation for the Uzbek people, who stood by us and extended their support during our most difficult days.” Kurtulmuş also described Uzbekistan as one of the important centers of Islamic civilization and the Turkic world. He highlighted reforms being implemented under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and praised the country’s “New Renaissance” development agenda. Hatay Governor Mustafa Masatlı highlighted the practical significance of Uzbekistan’s contribution to the province’s recovery. He said naming the residential area “Uzbekistan Mahallasi” would serve as a lasting symbol of friendship between the two nations. “On behalf of the residents of Hatay, I express my profound gratitude to the friendly and fraternal people of Uzbekistan,” Masatlı said. The ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting for the newly named boulevard and streets, which honor Uzbekistan’s president and two of the country’s historic cities. The opening follows the completion of the housing project earlier this year. In January, Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan took part in a ceremony to open the Uzbekistan residential complex and handed apartment keys to local residents. The complex consists of 24 apartment buildings with more than 300 fully equipped apartments and modern infrastructure. It was built by Uzbekistan in the Arsuz district, one of the areas affected by the 2023 earthquakes.

Drug Trafficking

Uzbekistan Toughens Anti-Drug Laws as Synthetic Narcotics and Online Trafficking Rise

Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has approved tougher measures against drug trafficking and endorsed reforms aimed at protecting public health, particularly among young people, as authorities respond to the growing spread of synthetic drugs and internet-based narcotics sales. According to the presidential press service, Mirziyoyev reviewed proposed legislative changes aimed at protecting public health and the nation’s gene pool from drug abuse. The review also covered road safety concerns. Officials outlined the significance of a recently adopted law that increases criminal liability for the illegal circulation of narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances, their analogues, and other potent substances. The legislation, which had already been passed by parliament, introduces a new chapter in Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code titled “Crimes Against Public Health and the Nation’s Gene Pool.” Mirziyoyev signed the law following the presentation. The new provisions increase penalties for a range of offenses considered particularly dangerous to public health. They also introduce separate criminal liability for organizing illegal drug laboratories, facilitating drug trafficking operations, and running premises used for the illegal distribution or consumption of narcotics. More than 10 categories of drug-related crimes will face tougher punishment under the law. Officials told the president that Uzbekistan’s drug situation has changed significantly in recent years. Traditional narcotics are increasingly being replaced by synthetic drugs, while trafficking methods have shifted toward online platforms and contactless delivery systems. The emergence of clandestine drug laboratories inside the country has also highlighted the need for updated legal and institutional responses. A separate draft law, “On Narcotic Drugs and Potent Substances,” prepared by an interagency working group, was also presented. The proposed legislation identifies seven priority areas of state policy. These include raising public awareness, particularly among women and young people, preventing drug-related crimes committed online, and improving systems for early prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and social rehabilitation of people suffering from addiction. The draft law would also clearly define the responsibilities of 14 government agencies involved in combating drug trafficking and drug-related crime. Authorities plan to tighten oversight of the legal circulation of controlled substances through a digital monitoring system that would track them from import and production to distribution and sale. The presentation also addressed road safety. Officials noted that some traffic accidents resulting in serious injuries or fatalities had involved minors driving vehicles unlawfully. In response, proposals were discussed to improve enforcement mechanisms and increase accountability for such violations. As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Mirziyoyev dismissed several senior officials from the Interior Ministry in January, as well as from the National Guard and Emergency Situations Ministry. Among those removed was the head of the Agency for Control of Narcotics and Illegal Firearms, who was criticized for failing to effectively combat the illegal trafficking and use of drugs.

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,...