A special edition of Uzbekistan 24 TV channel’s Irreversible Reforms (“Ortga qaytmas islohotlar”) was dedicated to the development of transport and transit potential of the country. The programme was attended by industry specialists, experts and analysts who expressed their views on Uzbekistan’s place in the international transport system, infrastructure projects being implemented and work being done to strengthen regional transport links.   Nargiza Umarova, Senior Research Fellow at IAIS, also participated as a guest in the programme. In her speech, she touched upon Uzbekistan’s topical projects in the field of logistics, in particular, the prospects of China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and Trans-Afghanistan railway projects.   Nargiza Umarova noted that Uzbekistan, given its favourable geostrategic position, pays special attention to the development of transport system. This will allow the country to move from the status of a peripheral territory in the regional transport system to the level of a central logistics and transit hub. The expert also emphasised the significant contribution of such large infrastructure projects to the economic development not only of Uzbekistan, but also of the entire Central Asian region, diversification of foreign trade relations and expansion of international transport corridors.   Thus, the transport infrastructure projects implemented by Uzbekistan serve not only to improve the domestic logistics system, but also to further strengthen the country’s role in international economic co-operation.   * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

Mirjalol Murtozaev is a Junior Research Fellow at the Centre for Afghanistan and South Asian Studies   From 11 to 13 March 2025, the official state visit of the President of Uzbekistan to France marked a significant milestone in bilateral relations, fostering cooperation across multiple domains. In an interview with the analytical information channel Paradigma.uz, Mirjalol Murtozayev underscored the pivotal aspects of this diplomatic engagement, highlighting the newly established Strategic Partnership Declaration as a cornerstone for strengthening long-term collaboration between the two nations. The visit also saw progress in investment projects, with France committing to key sectors in Uzbekistan, including energy, infrastructure, water management, transport, and tourism, reflecting growing economic interdependence. Furthermore, discussions centered on enhancing trade relations, particularly in the context of Uzbekistan’s access to GSP+ trade preferences and prospects for free trade agreements, further solidifying economic ties.   Beyond economic and strategic matters, the visit underscored cultural and multilateral cooperation, as exemplified by high-level discussions with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay. These talks explored avenues for deepening international cultural engagement, reinforcing Uzbekistan’s role as a bridge between civilizations. A major focal point was the upcoming 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, set to take place in Samarkand in 2025, with both sides engaged in preparatory discussions. This visit is anticipated to elevate Uzbekistan-France relations to a new level, fostering deeper collaboration in politics, education, tourism, and infrastructure while reinforcing Uzbekistan’s growing presence in global affairs.   * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

A commentary-interview by IAIS leading research fellow Fazliddin Djamalov for the Qalampir.uz is devoted to the dynamics of relations between Uzbekistan and France in the context of the signed agreement on strategic partnership. The expert discusses in detail the evolution of diplomatic ties between the two countries, starting with the recognition of Uzbekistan’s independence by France in 1992 and the establishment of diplomatic relations, and ending with the current stage, at which the cooperation acquires a strategic character. Mr. Djamalov stressed that the strategic partnership with France opens up opportunities for Uzbekistan to strengthen ties with the European Union, and the signing of this agreement on the eve of the EU-Central Asia summit symbolizes Uzbekistan’s aspiration to a multi-vector foreign policy.   In addition, he emphasized the economic component of cooperation, noting that France, being one of the leading European economies, is interested in Uzbekistan’s resource base, especially in uranium supplies. Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to Paris was accompanied by the signing of agreements worth 6.5 billion euros, which demonstrates the seriousness of both sides in the development of economic and investment projects. The expert also notes that France views Uzbekistan as a promising partner for reducing energy dependence on Russia, which makes cooperation beneficial for both countries. In this context, a special role is played by French companies, which can make a significant contribution to the modernization of Uzbekistan’s energy sector, especially in the field of renewable energy. Thus, in Fazliddin Djamalov’s opinion, the deepening of Uzbek-French partnership is not only economic, but also strategic in nature, defining a new configuration of Uzbekistan’s interaction with Europe.   Read on Qalampir.uz   * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

The virtual discussion hosted by the Carnegie Endowment delved into the complexities of China’s evolving role in Central Asia, challenging the conventional Western perspective that Beijing imposes its influence indiscriminately. Odil Gafarov, non-resident associate research fellow, was among the speakers, who emphasized that while China undoubtedly wields considerable economic and strategic power in the region, its engagement is often more adaptive than coercive. They highlighted that local actors — whether governments, businesses, or societal groups — actively shape the terms of their cooperation with China, leveraging Beijing’s interests to secure benefits tailored to their own developmental and political needs. This process, as the experts noted, underscores a dynamic interaction rather than unilateral imposition, where Central Asian states skillfully navigate their relations with China to maintain a degree of autonomy while maximizing economic opportunities.   The panelists also explored the nuanced strategies employed by both China and its Central Asian partners to manage this relationship. They pointed out that while Beijing prioritizes stability and economic expansion through initiatives such as the Belt and Road, it often accommodates local preferences, whether in investment structuring, infrastructure projects, or diplomatic engagements. The speakers noted that Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan each approach China differently, balancing economic reliance with strategic diversification. They argued that rather than being passive recipients of Chinese influence, these nations actively negotiate and recalibrate their engagements, demonstrating a level of agency that is often overlooked in Western analyses.   * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

In the latest edition of the program International View on Uzbekistan 24 TV channel, a leading research fellow at IAIS, Fazliddin Djamalov, presented a detailed analysis of Donald Trump’s first address to the US Congress after his re-election. The expert noted several key aspects of the US leader’s speech, reflecting the main policy directions of his administration.   In particular, he noted that the US President continues his course of economic protectionism, which is confirmed by the announced tariff measures against China, Canada and other countries. According to Mr Djamalov, such steps may aggravate trade contradictions and lead to new conflicts in the international arena. He also drew attention to Trump’s statements about fighting unelected bureaucracy and large-scale cuts in government structures.   Trump’s policy on government spending took a special place in the analysis. Djamalov noted that the American president tried to portray himself as a fighter against corruption, citing examples of fraudulent schemes, including the financing of program abroad, which Trump called inappropriate. However, the expert pointed out that such statements have a pronounced populist character and are criticized even by the Republicans themselves.   The migration issue took center stage in his speech. Trump strongly announced the resumption of the construction of a wall on the border with Mexico, as well as tougher measures against illegal migration to the United States.   * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

In his thought-provoking TED Talk, Odilbek Manabov, Research Fellow at the Center for Sustainable Development at IAIS, delves into one of the most overlooked dimensions of global trade. While water scarcity is a growing crisis for many nations, few realize that they are effectively exporting vast amounts of their already-limited water resources through everyday commodities such as agricultural produce, textiles, and even minerals like gold.   Through compelling data, striking paradoxes, and real-world case studies, the speaker exposes the hidden mechanisms of water-intensive industries, illustrating how nations struggling with water shortages — including Uzbekistan — are unknowingly depleting their most vital resource in exchange for short-term economic benefits. He highlights the paradox of water-stressed countries serving as major exporters of water-intensive crops, such as cotton, which require thousands of liters of water per kilogram.   Yet, this talk is not just an exposé — it is a call to action. It’s time to redefine the true cost of trade — before the well runs dry.   * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.