Uzbekistan Weekly Digest: Komil Allamjonov steps down, university fire, creative economy conference, and $800M World Bank support

This week's key events in Uzbekistan include the resignation of Komil Allamjonov from his role at the Presidential Administration, a major fire at Tashkent State Agrarian University, and the passage of a new law on agricultural cooperatives. The government has also announced plans to introduce global payment services like Apple Pay by 2024 to boost tourism. Additionally, Uzbekistan has secured a 49-year lease for resorts on Kyrgyzstan’s Issyk-Kul Lake, while the World Bank has approved $800 million in loans to support various reforms.

Komil Allamjonov Steps Down from Presidential Administration Role

Komil Allamjonov has stepped down as head of the Information Policy Department at the Presidential Administration. Although his new role has not yet been disclosed, Allamjonov was praised for his contributions to promoting freedom of speech, transparency, and educational reforms. Previously, he held positions as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Mass Media Support Fund and Deputy Head of the Presidential Administration.

Fire Damages Tashkent State Agrarian University

A large fire broke out on September 30 at Tashkent State Agrarian University, damaging several buildings, including those of the State Forestry Agency. While authorities are still investigating the cause, a criminal case has been opened for violation of fire safety regulations. Although the Forestry Agency claimed that their building was not significantly affected, reports indicate severe damage to the university’s structures.

Senate Passes Updated Agricultural Cooperatives Law

The Senate has passed an updated law governing agricultural cooperatives, replacing the 1998 version. The law redefines cooperatives as commercial organizations with a minimum of seven members (either individuals or legal entities) and expands their roles beyond providing agricultural services to include cultivation, processing, and sales.

Uzbekistan to Introduce Global Payment Services for Tourists by 2024

In a move to enhance Uzbekistan’s tourism infrastructure, the government has announced plans to integrate Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal by the end of 2024. These services are expected to simplify transactions for tourists. Additional efforts include promoting car rental services at railway stations and airports, and improving mapping services for tourist destinations.

Uzbekistan Secures 49-Year Lease for Issyk-Kul Resorts

Uzbekistan has secured a 49-year lease for four resorts on Kyrgyzstan’s Issyk-Kul Lake. Uzbek investors will renovate and upgrade the resorts, with a stipulation that 80% of the workforce must be Kyrgyz nationals.