Uzbekistan Trade Update: Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover hit $41bn in the first half of 2026, up 7.4% year-on-year, with exports at $15.9bn and imports at $25.1bn; the deficit remains a pressure point as imports rise on industrial modernization and demand for equipment. Customs Facilitation: A China–Uzbekistan AEO mutual recognition deal has entered into force, promising simpler customs clearance (less inspection, faster processing) for compliant exporters and cutting logistics costs. Regional Connectivity Talks: Uzbekistan is pushing a “common development space” linking Central Asia, the South Caucasus and Afghanistan, with leaders calling for stronger trade, transport, digital services and investment platforms. Central Asia–Azerbaijan Summit: At the Cholpon-Ata consultative meeting, presidents backed tighter coordination across intergovernmental bodies and the “Central Asia+” format, with Azerbaijan joining as a full participant. Cross-Border Business Risk: Wildberries’ warehouse attacks are being blamed for billions in losses across the company’s ecosystem, including entrepreneurs in Uzbekistan and other countries, as the firm says it is upgrading security and fire safety. Uzbekistan–India Diplomacy: Uzbekistan’s foreign minister is set to visit India (Aug 2–5) for meetings and a business forum, aiming to deepen trade and investment ties. Energy/Environment Reporting: Uzbekistan joined an OGMP 2.0 methane reporting training under the UzEMI project, aligning oil-and-gas measurement and reporting with international standards. Regional Rail Agenda: Pakistan and Türkiye agreed to revive the Islamabad–Tehran–Istanbul freight corridor, a project that could connect South Asia, Central Asia and Europe—relevant to Uzbekistan’s broader logistics ambitions.