Government agencies, airlines and tourism industry representatives explored new initiatives to strengthen tourism links between Uzbekistan and Southeast Asia.

Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened a meeting on 13 July to discuss measures to increase visitor arrivals from Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. Held in a hybrid format, the meeting brought together government agencies, airlines, tourism associations and nearly 40 tourism companies to support the country’s tourism development initiatives.

The discussion focused on improving transport and logistics, enhancing service quality and expanding promotional efforts to attract more travellers from the three Southeast Asian countries. The participants also explored increasing flights from Malaysia, launching direct flights from Singapore and Indonesia, promoting pilgrimage tourism through the “Umrah Plus” programme, and aligning facilities for foreign pilgrims with international halal standards.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The ceremony marked the formal accreditation of Uzbekistan’s first non-resident ambassador to New Zealand and provided an opportunity to discuss bilateral cooperation.

Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Singapore, Mr Alisher Qayumov, presented his credentials to New Zealand’s Governor-General, Dame Cindy Kiro, during a ceremony at the Government House in Wellington. Serving as Uzbekistan’s non-resident ambassador to New Zealand, Mr Qayumov used the occasion to discuss the current state and future prospects of bilateral relations between the two countries.

The credential presentation formed part of an official diplomatic engagement between Uzbekistan and New Zealand. Mr Qayumov was welcomed in accordance with traditional Māori ceremonial customs before participating in the formal accreditation ceremony and subsequent discussions with the Governor-General.

Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro highlighted the reforms being implemented in Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. She noted the Uzbek government’s progress in modernising public administration, developing civil society, and creating a favourable environment for international business.

The discussions also emphasised the importance of strengthening friendly relations between the two countries and maintaining active political dialogue. Both sides considered opportunities to expand practical cooperation in trade, economic affairs, culture, humanitarian exchanges and other mutually beneficial sectors.

The meeting concluded with a shared interest in further strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation across priority sectors. Both sides expressed their expectation that continued dialogue and engagement would contribute to the development of Uzbekistan-New Zealand relations in the years ahead.

Source: Embassy of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Singapore

Landmark opening highlights Uzbekistan’s commitment to knowledge, spirituality, and cultural heritage during the holy month of Ramadan

With the participation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the official opening ceremony of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan was held alongside an iftar gathering, marking a significant moment during the holy month of Ramadan. The event brought together representatives of the diplomatic corps, international organisations, and diverse communities, including different nationalities and religious confessions, reflecting Uzbekistan’s policy of openness and inclusivity.

Through regional studio links, members of the public, including the older generation, also took part in the ceremony. At the beginning of the event, the President extended heartfelt congratulations to the people of Uzbekistan on Ramadan, expressing gratitude for the peace, stability, and harmony in which the country continues to observe the holy month.

President Mirziyoyev emphasised that Ramadan is a symbol of compassion, generosity, and good deeds. He highlighted the ongoing efforts of governmental and non-governmental organisations, including the National Agency for Social Protection, the Mahalla Association, the Waqf Foundation of the Muslim Board, “Inson” centres, and entrepreneurs, in providing support to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, and low-income families. Medical teams were also noted for their outreach to remote areas, delivering healthcare services and life-saving interventions.

In his remarks, the President underlined the importance of peace as the greatest blessing in today’s turbulent global environment, stressing that the unity of Uzbekistan’s more than 38 million citizens is its greatest strength. He also described the inauguration of the Islamic Civilization Center as a historic milestone, fulfilling the aspirations of generations and symbolising a celebration of science, spirituality, and enlightenment.

The President further highlighted Uzbekistan’s national development vision of prioritising “science and education above all”, noting the symbolic inscription of the Quranic verse “Iqra!” (“Read!”) at the Centre. He explained that the complex reflects the country’s rich three-thousand-year history, cultural heritage, and intellectual legacy, while serving as a platform for education, research, and international cooperation in Islamic civilisation studies.

The Islamic Civilization Center, built on a site of nearly 10 hectares with a total area of 50,000 square metres, houses extensive exhibitions, including rare manuscripts, archaeological artefacts, and historical maps. Among its key exhibits is one of the world’s oldest Qurans, the Uthman Mushaf, displayed in the Hall of the Holy Quran. The Centre also features thematic halls dedicated to different historical periods, including the First and Second Renaissance and the vision of a Third Renaissance under “New Uzbekistan”.

The event also recognised the contributions of international experts, scholars, architects, and institutions involved in the project, alongside local professionals and sponsors. President Mirziyoyev announced plans for continued global research cooperation, including international expeditions to locate and preserve rare manuscripts, as well as partnerships with global organisations such as ICESCO, IRCICA, TURKSOY, and leading academic centres.

The ceremony concluded with prayers and recitations from the Holy Quran during the iftar, with supplications for peace, acceptance of fasting, and the wellbeing of the nation. The President expressed confidence that the Islamic Civilization Center would serve as a lasting platform for knowledge, enlightenment, and intercultural understanding, both for Uzbekistan and the wider international community.

Source: Uzbekistan Embassy in Singapore

The acquisition of the C-390 Millennium marks a major step in modernising Uzbekistan’s airlift and humanitarian response capabilities

Embraer announced at the Singapore Airshow on 3 February 2026 that the Republic of Uzbekistan is the customer behind a previously undisclosed order for the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft. The announcement confirms Uzbekistan as the first country in Central Asia to operate the state-of-the-art aircraft, which is transforming the medium military transport segment.

The C-390 Millennium will be operated by the Uzbek Air Force and is set to significantly enhance its transport and humanitarian mission capabilities. Designed to meet modern operational requirements, the aircraft will support a wide range of missions including cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian assistance operations.

Bosco da Costa Junior, President and Chief Executive Officer of Embraer Defense & Security, welcomed Uzbekistan to the growing group of C-390 operators. He noted that Embraer is honoured by the selection and will work closely with the Uzbekistan Air Force to ensure the aircraft’s seamless integration and reliable operation as the force modernises its transport fleet.

Built and designed in the 21st century, the C-390 Millennium is the most advanced aircraft in its class, offering a payload capacity of up to 26 tonnes, a maximum speed of 470 knots, and extended operational range. The aircraft can operate from temporary or unpaved runways and is fully interoperable within NATO environments, making it particularly suited for Agile Combat Employment operations.

Uzbekistan joins a growing list of countries that have selected the C-390 Millennium, including Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia and Lithuania. The expanding global fleet underscores the aircraft’s reliability, versatility and performance in meeting both tactical and strategic airlift requirements.

Source: Embraer

Uzbekistan has been officially unveiled as the previously undisclosed customer for Embraer’s C-390 Millennium, becoming the first operator of the aircraft in Central Asia

The Republic of Uzbekistan has been confirmed as the undisclosed customer for the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, following an official announcement by Embraer at the Singapore Airshow on 3 February 2026. The revelation follows an earlier announcement in which the customer’s identity had not been disclosed.

The Uzbekistan Air Force will deploy the state-of-the-art aircraft primarily for transport and humanitarian missions, significantly enhancing its operational capabilities. With this acquisition, Uzbekistan becomes the first nation in Central Asia to operate the C-390 Millennium, marking a notable milestone in the region’s defence modernisation efforts.

Designed and built in the 21st century, the C-390 Millennium is the most modern military transport aircraft in its class. It is capable of carrying payloads of up to 26 tonnes, flying faster and farther than other medium-sized military transport aircraft. Its versatility allows it to conduct a wide range of missions, including cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, search and rescue, firefighting, and humanitarian operations, even from unpaved or temporary runways.

The aircraft can also be configured for air-to-air refuelling operations, operating both as a tanker and a receiver. Fully interoperable within NATO environments, the platform is particularly suited for Agile Combat Employment operations, reinforcing its appeal to air forces seeking flexibility and reliability.

Uzbekistan joins a growing list of countries that have selected the C-390 Millennium, including Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia and Lithuania, underscoring the aircraft’s expanding global footprint in military transport aviation.

Speaker Nuriddin Ismoilov’s visit underscored growing cooperation and people-to-people links between both legislatures.

His Excellency Nuriddin Ismoilov, Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, concluded a two-day Official Visit to Singapore from 19 to 20 November 2025 at the invitation of Speaker Seah Kian Peng. The visit marked an important opportunity to reinforce parliamentary cooperation and deepen bilateral relations between Singapore and Uzbekistan.

Mr Ismoilov and his delegation met Speaker Seah at Parliament House on 20 November. The meeting was also attended by Singapore’s Non-Resident Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Mr Zulkifli Baharudin, along with Members of Parliament Mr Saktiandi Supaat and Ms Sylvia Lim. Discussions covered a wide range of shared interests, including governance, legislative development, and opportunities for closer collaboration between both parliaments.

Image by: Parliament of Singapore

Following the meeting, Speaker Seah hosted an Official Lunch in honour of Mr Ismoilov and the visiting delegation. The lunch provided an additional platform for informal exchanges and further strengthened goodwill between representatives of both nations. The delegation was also briefed on Singapore’s parliamentary processes and the nation’s approach to public policy and institutional development.

The visit reaffirmed the warm and friendly ties between Singapore and Uzbekistan, reflecting both countries’ commitment to broadening engagement at the parliamentary level. Singapore welcomed the opportunity to share its experiences and learn from Uzbekistan’s legislative priorities as both sides continue to enhance cooperation.

This engagement formed part of Singapore’s ongoing effort to deepen links with partners in Central Asia, particularly in areas such as governance, education, economic cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges. Both countries expressed confidence that inter-parliamentary ties would continue to grow in the years ahead.

Source: Parliament of Singapore

Uzbekistan’s agricultural and food industry takes centre stage at a two-day showcase in Singapore, boosting export potential and trade ties in Southeast Asia.

SINGAPORE — A two-day exhibition titled “Made in Uzbekistan” was held on 17–18 October at Marina Square in Singapore, presenting a diverse array of high-quality agricultural and food industry products from Uzbekistan.

Organised with the support of the Singapore Fruits & Vegetables Importers & Exporters Association, the event brought together over ten Uzbek producers, each showcasing the country’s finest export-oriented goods. The display included eco-friendly and naturally grown fresh and dried fruits, saffron, nuts, legumes, and processed fruit and vegetable products.

The exhibition attracted significant attention from Singaporean entrepreneurs, buyers, and consumers, who expressed keen interest in the premium quality and natural origins of Uzbek goods. Many local import companies and trade organisations engaged in discussions aimed at exploring long-term import partnerships and trade collaborations.

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In addition to promoting Uzbek products, the event also served as a strategic platform to foster stronger economic and trade cooperation between Uzbekistan and Singapore, with broader implications for Uzbekistan’s engagement with the Southeast Asian market. The positive reception highlights the growing appeal of Central Asian produce in the region, as well as Uzbekistan’s ongoing efforts to diversify its export markets.

Source: Uzbekistan Embassy

Uzbekistan is setting a regional example with an integrated, digital-first social protection system designed to uplift vulnerable citizens and promote long-term social inclusion.

Uzbekistan is pioneering a new approach to social welfare in Central Asia through a series of comprehensive reforms guided by the national development strategy “Uzbekistan – 2030.” With a focus on the modernisation of its social policy, the country has launched a unified and digitised model of social protection that places individual needs at its core.

A major milestone in this transformation was the creation of the National Agency for Social Protection (NASP) in 2023 — the only ministerial-level agency of its kind in the region. Unlike neighbouring countries that manage social welfare through fragmented institutions, Uzbekistan has consolidated its services under NASP, significantly enhancing coordination and accountability.

Central to this system is the establishment of “Inson” Social Services Centres across all 208 districts and cities. These centres operate as one-stop-shops, offering more than 100 types of social services — from legal and psychological support to targeted aid — to diverse groups including low-income families, people with disabilities, and the elderly. In the second quarter of the year 2025, over 1.7 million applications were submitted, with more than 1.2 million already processed.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, during a visit to the Shaykhantahur district’s Inson Centre, highlighted the human-centred mission of these reforms: “This is a place where every persons concerns are taken care of and where they strive to make people happy. Through such a system, social justice and human dignity are established in our society”.

Specialised programmes also focus on vulnerable children, particularly those deprived of parental care. The “From Poverty to Prosperity” programme prioritises foster placement in family environments over institutionalisation. Family-type homes now operate in multiple regions, offering individual care and education tailored to each child’s needs.

For children with disabilities, NASP has introduced public-private partnership models of day care, such as at the “�³ܲԻ����쾱�Ի�” kindergarten in Tashkent, providing rehabilitative, social, and educational support while helping parents return to work.

Support also extends to adults requiring continuous care. Through the “Step Towards an Active Life” initiative, individuals receive home-based services including hygiene assistance, meals, and psychological support — all funded via social vouchers.

Uzbekistan’s reforms reflect a systemic shift toward dignity, inclusion, and long-term well-being. With digital integration, individualised care, and a strong emphasis on community-based solutions, the country is building a model that may inspire similar efforts across the region.

Source:

SICCI hosts presentation highlighting Uzbekistan’s reforms, export potential and attractive investment climate.

The Singapore-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), one of Singapore’s oldest and most established business associations, recently hosted a presentation on Uzbekistan’s investment potential.

The event brought together representatives from leading Singaporean companies across the food, pharmaceutical, information technology, and logistics sectors. Attendees received an in-depth briefing on Uzbekistan’s ongoing economic reforms, favourable investment conditions within its free economic and industrial zones, and the country’s growing export potential.

At the event, Templeton Global’s Chief Investment Officer, Manraj Sekhon, provided an overview of the National Investment Fund of Uzbekistan, highlighting that its assets are now managed by the company, and discussed the country’s favourable investment climate and business development prospects.

Praising the nation’s recent economic transformation, Mr Sekhon described Uzbekistan as Central Asia’s most attractive market for investment, encouraging Singaporean businesses to pursue opportunities in the country.

Singaporean business representatives expressed interest in expanding collaboration with Uzbekistan and received comprehensive answers to their questions about doing business in the republic.

At the close of the presentation, it was agreed that a SICCI business delegation will visit Uzbekistan in September 2025, with plans to hold business forums in the regions of the republic.

Source:

Young delegates showcase Uzbekistan’s heritage and leadership potential at regional youth forum.

SINGAPORE — Students from Uzbekistan actively took part in the Asia Student Leadership Conference 2025, held recently in Singapore, according to a Dunyo correspondent.

An annual initiative of the international charity organisation Smile Asia, the prestigious event brings together outstanding students from around the world, alongside leading experts from diverse fields, to foster collaboration and develop leadership skills.

This year, Sevara Khasanova and Diyora Kasimova proudly represented Uzbekistan among youth delegates from over 20 countries. The two students engaged in collaborative workshops and management masterclasses with their peers, providing valuable opportunities to strengthen their leadership abilities.

Throughout the conference, distinguished speakers from Singapore and abroad shared insights and personal experiences, inspiring participants to apply their learning to their own communities.

The conference concluded with Cultural Night, during which students presented aspects of their national culture and heritage. The Uzbek delegates’ traditional costumes and presentation on Uzbekistan’s history, cultural identity, and modern development drew particular interest from participants and organisers alike.

The students’ active participation was highly appreciated by organisers and international experts, who noted it as a testament to Uzbekistan’s commitment to youth empowerment and the many opportunities now available for the country’s younger generation.

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