Uzbekistan Roundup: 2 inmates die in a week, electric buses procurement, tourism surge

Uzbekistan launches project to procure 200 electric buses

A project has been launched to acquire 200 electric buses and the associated charging stations for the capital, in line with Uzbekistan’s green economy and environmental goals under the "Uzbekistan-2030" strategy. This initiative supports the nation’s commitment to combating climate change and achieving carbon neutrality. According to Daryo, after a competitive bidding process among three Chinese companies—BYD Auto Industry, Yutong Bus, and Zhongtong Bus Holding—Yutong Bus was selected for providing the optimal solution that met all project requirements.

Uzbekistan reports 2 inmate deaths within a week

Uzbek authorities have confirmed that two individuals died in the country’s prisons last week. Both incidents took place in penal colonies in the Tashkent region, near the capital. One fatality involved a 21-year-old man who reportedly suffered a heart attack and acute pancreatitis, while the other was a 41-year-old inmate who sustained fatal injuries during repair work at the prison. As reported by VOA, The Chief Prosecutor’s Office in Uzbekistan has launched an investigation into both cases.

Uzbekistan welcomed over 37,000 tourists from Germany

According to the Statistics Agency, German tourism to Uzbekistan saw a marked increase in 2024 compared to the previous year. A total of 37,500 German tourists visited the country—7,918 more than during the same period last year. Zamin reports that their trips were primarily for tourism (31,291 visitors), followed by visiting relatives (4,524), business trips (1,580), commercial visits (80), education (43), and medical treatment (8). These figures highlight a growing interest in Uzbekistan among German travellers and underscore the importance of family and business connections between the two nations. In the era of globalization and expanding international relations, these statistics serve as a key indicator of strengthening cultural and economic ties.

Uzbekistan work visa now open for Pakistanis

Following a recommendation from the Pakistan Embassy in Tashkent, the federal government has lifted the ban on Pakistani workers seeking jobs in Uzbekistan. The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment has directed all Protectorates of Emigrants to register workers for Uzbekistan. Previously, Pakistan had halted work permits due to poor working conditions and unpaid wages, ARY News reported. This decision comes ahead of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official two-day visit to Uzbekistan in late February 2025.

Uzbekistan eyes $60M export potential to Kuwait in agriculture and food sectors

At Kuwait’s Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Sabah's invitation, Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited Kuwait from February 17 to 18. In line with this, the Centre for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) reviewed key aspects of Uzbekistan-Kuwait trade over the past eight years, focusing on trade patterns, key exports and imports, and potential future collaboration. While trade between Uzbekistan and Kuwait has grown positively, there is still untapped potential for further economic cooperation, Fresh Plaza reports.