Uzbekistan - The Times Of Central Asia

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UN Tourism

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.

Gold

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.

Transport

Uzbekistan and Taliban Agree on Hairatan-Herat Railway Project

Taliban Deputy Chief Minister Abdul Ghani Baradar announced that construction on the planned Hairatan-Herat railway would begin within 10 days of a feasibility study, which Uzbekistan will finance. He also stated that Uzbekistan had agreed to reduce the cost of a power transmission line project to Afghanistan by $30 million, lowering the total to $222 million, Amu TV reports. The announcement followed Baradar’s two-day visit to Uzbekistan. The railway project aims to extend the existing line from Hairatan, a key trade hub on the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan border, through Mazar-e-Sharif and on to Herat. The first phase, a 75-kilometer section from Hairatan to Mazar-e-Sharif, was completed in 2010 with funding from the Asian Development Bank. The planned extension is expected to enhance trade links between Central Asia and the Middle East. During the visit, Baradar and his delegation met with Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov and Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khodjayev to discuss trade, energy, aviation, and infrastructure. Baradar stated that Uzbekistan had agreed to increase electricity exports to Afghanistan during the summer and reduce tariffs. Taliban Commerce Minister Nooruddin Azizi added that discussions also covered trade and banking cooperation, as well as a potential railway extension from Hairatan to Spin Boldak. Additionally, Uzbekistan will lift restrictions on Afghan agricultural exports and establish four trade centers in major cities across both countries. Aripov visited Kabul last August for talks focused on boosting trade, strengthening energy cooperation, and collaborating on copper, iron, oil, and gas projects. Both sides agreed that trade between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan could reach $1 billion in 2024 and expand to $3 billion in the near future.

Finance Investments Export/Import Uzbekistan Industry Gold mining in central asia Economy

Uzbekistan’s Reserves Reach $37.4 billion

As of August 1, Uzbekistan's official reserves reached $37.4 billion, 1.06 billion dollars more than a month ago, according to a Kun.uz report based on data from the Central Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan. This reserve value is a record indicator for the period after 2018 when data disclosure began. Still, $37.4 billion is enough to cover 12 months of imports. The increase in the value of international reserves is mainly due to the continued rise in gold reserves and prices. The physical volume of gold in reserves increased by 310,000 ounces (9.64 tons) to 12.05 million ounces (374.8 tons), and the value reached $29.15 billion (+$1.84 billion). According to the Central Bank, the impact of the increase in the price of gold from $2,327.6 to $2,419.6 in July amounted to $1.11 billion. In July, foreign currency assets decreased by $781.5 million to $7.69 billion and since the beginning of the year, have declined by $1.68 billion, partly affected by the extinguishment of the sovereign Eurobonds issued in 2019, worth $500 million. The value of securities purchased by the Central Bank was 35.3 million dollars.

UNESCO Bukhara Tourism Security Economy Uzbekistan Social

Uzbekistan: Bukhara Administration Denies Relocation of “Eternal Bukhara”

Previously, The Times of Central Asia reported in an article titled "Land Cleared for Tourism next to Old Bukhara; UNESCO Urges Pause" that the construction of "Eternal Bukhara," a tourist facility in the Bukhara region of Uzbekistan, had sparked protests from locals and UNESCO alike. Recently, rumors spread on social media claiming that the "Eternal Bukhara" project is proceeding on the city's outskirts despite public objections. However, the Bukhara city administration has now provided official information to clarify the situation. According to the regional administration, these reports are false. They assert that the construction of the cultural ethnographic park "Eternal Bukhara" is progressing systematically. Most of the old and dilapidated buildings in the area have been dismantled, and the construction site is now 90% ready. Additionally, the Bukhara regional administration have stated that previous dismantling work was completed without affecting the population or surrounding structures, whilst adhering to technical safety regulations. Nearly 70% of the work has reportedly already been completed. The administration also noted that the project documents for "Eternal Bukhara" are being finalized in collaboration with renowned historians, scientists, cultural heritage experts, and international project organizations.

Culture Uzbekistan Central Asia Saudi Arabia Social Investments Education

Saudi Al Faris International Proposes to Open Schools in Uzbekistan

According to the Dunyo news agency, Uzbekistan's ambassador to Saudi Arabia Nodirjon Turgunov met with the chairman of the education company Al Faris International, Osama bin Salih, to discuss introducing Al Faris schools to Uzbekistan. Al Faris schools are among the best in Saudi Arabia, and operate to the international IBO standard. Bin Salih commented: “We are ready to establish international schools based on one hundred percent of our own capital or with Uzbek partners. In these schools, education is provided in accordance with international standards, studies are conducted on the basis of strict requirements of foreign and local languages. In addition, preschool educational institutions will be established, where children under the age of six will be given intensive lessons in preparation for primary school."