Afghanistan–Central Asia Trade Push: A Taliban-led trade and economic forum in Kabul brought together Afghanistan’s industry and commerce minister and Kazakhstan’s deputy prime minister, with both sides pointing to near-doubling trade since 2022 and a roadmap target of $3bn annually, hinging on better banking, transport and transit links. Uzbekistan–Afghanistan Connectivity Cost: Uzbekistan says the proposed trans-Afghan railway (linking Mazar-e-Sharif, Kabul and Peshawar) may cost over $7bn, up from earlier $4.6bn estimates, with feasibility due by end-2026 and financing/security challenges still unresolved. India–Uzbekistan Trade Talks: India and Uzbekistan agreed to tackle non-tariff barriers and aim to double bilateral trade in three years, highlighting sectors from pharmaceuticals and medical devices to machinery, electronics and logistics. Waste Processing Deal: Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia and France signed a framework at TIIF-2026 to develop high-tech hazardous waste processing projects under a “Zero Waste” approach. Rural Infrastructure Funding: The World Bank approved $150m for phase two of Uzbekistan’s rural infrastructure program to expand roads, power, water and public services across six regions. New Air Links: Uzbekistan and Iraq discussed launching direct flights between Tashkent and Baghdad to boost tourism and business travel, alongside joint marketing and B2B matching.