Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover reaches $18bn in 1Q26, up 2.7% y/y
Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover (FTT) totaled $18.0bn in January–March 2026, increasing by $471.0mn, or 2.7%, year-on-year compared to the same period in 2025.
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Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover reaches $18bn in 1Q26, up 2.7% y/y
Exports declined to $5.81bn, down 29.3% y/y, while imports rose 30.8% to $12.21bn, widening the trade deficit to –$6.40bn, although goods exports excluding special items grew 26.2% to $3.48bn.
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World
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Daryo+
"The young man, feeling the breath of death, knelt down and kissed the shoes of the executioners" - the harrowing story of witnesses to the civil war in Tajikistan
The 1990s were a challenging and turbulent period for the countries of the former Soviet Union. The collapse of the “Red Empire” triggered severe ethnic, religious, and political conflicts in several nations. Newly independent states such as Tajikistan, Georgia, Moldova, Azerbaijan, and Armenia found themselves engulfed in civil wars and armed conflicts. “Daryo” presents the stories of individuals who witnessed and endured the atrocities of the Tajik civil war (1992–1997), a conflict that claimed thousands of lives.
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Lifestyle and Culture
Chinese woman offers apartment in Shanghai as reward to whoever finds her son who was lost 26 years ago
Imam Al-Bukhari and Sukarno: A cross-cultural journey supported by global philanthropy
Imam Al-Bukhari and Sukarno, a theatrical-musical production celebrating the shared cultural heritage of Indonesia and Uzbekistan, had its world premiere in Samarkand in November 2024. Featuring over 60 performers, the play brings to life the journey of Indonesia’s first president, Sukarno, to Uzbekistan in 1956. "This project represents a cultural dialogue," says Restu Imansari Kusumaningrum, the play's Artistic Director. "The arts need to be supported, not just by the government, but by the community—by private donors and philanthropists. Without them, many of these stories would remain untold." With a production cost of over $100,000, the production showcases the crucial role of private sector support in making such cultural initiatives a reality.
Sport
Sindarov’s victory highlights Uzbekistan’s growing chess standing as Mirziyoyev honors champion
A ceremony attended by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev honored Uzbek grandmaster Javokhir Sindarov for his historic FIDE Candidates Tournament victory, where he remained unbeaten, set new records, and was awarded the “Mehnat Shuhrati” (Order of Labor Glory) for his contribution to chess in Uzbekistan.
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