SCO Diplomacy & Business Outlook: China’s Wang Yi told SCO foreign ministers in Cholpon-Ata that the bloc’s 25-year “Shanghai Spirit” has moved cooperation into green industry, digital economy, energy and AI, with hundreds of projects already underway. Uzbek-Kyrgyz Trade Push: Uzbekistan’s Laziz Kudratov said about 450 Uzbek-capital enterprises operate in Kyrgyzstan, while 362 Kyrgyz-participated firms are registered in Uzbekistan, with joint work expanding in autos, textiles, medicine and agro. Cross-Border Logistics Upgrade: A new Kyrgyz-Uzbek trade and logistics complex at the border is finished and could become a multifunctional trade zone to speed up sales first, then production and joint ventures. Kyrgyz-Uzbek Development Fund: The Uzbek-Kyrgyz Development Fund backed 37 projects worth over $100m, and plans more financing in national currencies to cut currency risk. Crypto Policy: Uzbekistan approved rules for the Besqala Mining Valley crypto mining zone in Karakalpakstan, offering tax exemptions for residents until 2035 under a tightly controlled, traceable model. AI for Good: The ITU launched an “AI for Good Lab” in Geneva to help developing economies scale responsible AI via policy support, skills and public AI infrastructure. Global Business Services Forum: Tashkent hosted the Global Business Services Forum 2026, highlighting Uzbekistan’s push to grow AI-enabled BPO and tech exports beyond $1bn. Middle Corridor Connectivity: eTIR began fully digital operations across the Caspian Sea for Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan, aiming to reduce a key bottleneck on the China–Europe route. Saudi Healthcare Ties: Saudi Health Minister Fahad AlJalajel met Uzbek officials to expand cooperation in virtual care, health insurance, digital transformation and workforce development, including the Fergana Hospital project. Regional Energy Deals: Masdar and Montenegro’s EPCG signed agreements for solar and pumped hydro storage, positioning Montenegro as a renewable export gateway—relevant for investors watching Central Asia’s power trade ambitions.