Uzbekistan–Syria Trade Push: Uzbekistan and Syria signed an agreement in Tashkent to set up a Joint Economic and Trade Committee, plus a Business Council, with a 2026–2028 roadmap and plans for mutual exhibitions in 2027, as Uzbek and Syrian officials and firms discussed specific investment and trade projects. Karakalpakstan Investment Drive: President Mirziyoyev chaired a Nukus meeting highlighting major incentives and fast growth in Karakalpakstan, including $1.7bn in investment last year, and a large pipeline of projects worth $7bn, with new wind power capacity and grid upgrades to support a stable energy supply. Melon Value-Add Plan: Uzbekistan will move melon production toward a vertically integrated model in Nukus, starting next spring with 10,000 hectares, importing high-yield agrotechnology know-how, and building on-site deep processing via an investor holding company and a repurposed technical college. Energy & Oil-Gas Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan discussed accelerating energy-sector projects, including SOCAR’s plans for gas station expansion in Uzbekistan and progress on Ustyurt exploration blocks, alongside refining capacity and crude/petroleum import cooperation. Competition Policy Update: Uzbekistan’s antimonopoly authority shared SCO cooperation progress, noting reduced state involvement in GDP to 30%, consumer/entrepreneur reimbursements, and the Fair Tech system for digital competition regulation.