Uzbekistan has approved reforms to medical education, introducing a six-year “5+1” degree, expanding residency training and shifting specialist training from master’s programs to residency.

Uzbekistan will attract $100mn in foreign direct investment from South Korea’s Green Hammer Co., Ltd. for a waste-to-energy project in Khorezm, with capacity to process 800 tons of waste daily.

Kazakhstan and Chinese marketplace Pinduoduo discussed cross-border e-commerce taxation and potential data sharing on purchases by Kazakh residents, with further consultations planned on technical integration and data transfer procedures.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung presented personalized gifts to Central Asian leaders during bilateral meetings in Seoul ahead of the first Central Asia–South Korea summit.

Uzbekistan’s Central Bank kept its key rate unchanged at 14% as inflation slowed to 6.2% in August, citing persistent domestic and external price pressures while maintaining its target of reducing inflation to 5% by the end of 2027.

Uzbekistan has proposed expanding industrial and technology cooperation with South Korea through projects in critical minerals, AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and advanced manufacturing.

Uzbekneftegaz has ordered measures to increase gas production and stabilize supplies ahead of the autumn-winter season, including new wells, deeper drilling and expanded use of production capacity.

Uzbekistan and Bahrain are considering the launch of direct flights between Tashkent and Manama as part of efforts to increase mutual tourism flows, expand cooperation between their tourism sectors, exchange market research and industry statistics, and organize reciprocal familiarization and press tours.

Uzbekistan has expressed readiness to establish a Central Asia–Korea industrial and technology park as part of efforts to expand industrial cooperation and investment to help increase regional trade with South Korea to $20bn by 2030.

Uzbekistan is developing a continuous National Upbringing Model for children aged 3 to 18, focusing on national and universal values, healthy lifestyles, independent thinking, civic engagement and life skills across all stages of education.

Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan discussed expanding inter-parliamentary cooperation through parliamentary diplomacy, legislative exchanges and closer engagement between their legislative bodies as part of their strategic partnership and allied relations.

Uzbekistan is exploring deeper cooperation with South Korea in AI, digital technologies, payment systems, healthcare, transport and education, while also expanding cultural ties and engagement with Uzbek professionals and students in the country.

Uzbekistan is hosting the 46th World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand with participants from over 200 countries, as the country reports more than 2mn active chess players, 32 international grandmasters and five players ranked among the world’s top 100.

Uzbekistan’s State Budget revenues reached UZS 207.4 trillion ($17.6bn) in the first half of 2026, up UZS 63.2 trillion (over $5.3bn) year-on-year, while 51.5% of expenditures went to the social sector and GDP grew by 8.5%.

Kazakhstan’s trade with BRICS members and partners reached $72bn in 2025 as President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed a BRICS Plus partnership on artificial intelligence and deeper cooperation in logistics, critical minerals and water resources.

Tajikistan and UNICEF discussed AI-based mapping of soil contamination and pesticide risks, alongside cooperation on climate education, green skills and measures to protect children and local communities under the country’s development priorities through 2030.