Qatar–Uzbek Trade Outlook: Uzbekistan’s investment minister Laziz Kudretov says Qatar ties are set to surge over the next five years, with trade up more than 30% last year and Uzbek exports to Qatar rising over 36%, as Qatari investment shifts from planning to delivery in energy, infrastructure, industry, agriculture, education, tourism and finance. Digital Trade Bloc: Türkiye has completed its internal steps to join the Organization of Turkic States’ Digital Economy Partnership Agreement, joining Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, with the pact set to take effect once Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan ratify—aiming to cut barriers for e-commerce and cross-border data services. Automotive Push: Volkswagen has started selling in Uzbekistan via its China business unit, with models sourced from Chinese factories and plans for a Tashkent semi-knock-down assembly line by late 2026, plus dealership expansion and a larger Angren plant. Uzbekistan–Pakistan Cooperation: Uzbekistan and Pakistan reaffirmed plans to deepen ties through education, research exchanges, trade, transport and agriculture, including joint degree accreditation ideas. IMF Watch: Uzbekistan’s growth outlook is flagged alongside inflation and global risk concerns, while central bank surveys point to easing inflation fears but rising utility-cost worries.