Small Business Tax Overhaul: President Mirziyoyev signed a decree easing the tax burden for SMEs, including a higher threshold for switching to general taxation and a simplified VAT regime from June 1 (6% VAT on turnover for eligible catering, trade and services firms, plus fewer audits). EAEU Diplomacy: Mirziyoyev arrived in Astana for a working visit and is set to take part in the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council meeting as an observer state, underscoring Uzbekistan’s push for deeper regional trade links. Trade & WTO Progress: Uzbekistan concluded WTO accession market-access talks with India, signing a protocol to complete negotiations and move the file toward WTO Secretariat submission. Infrastructure Push: A Chinese firm won a tender for a $2.185bn Tashkent–Samarkand toll highway, with construction planned to start in July; meanwhile, Tashkent signed $3.5bn in China deals for transport, urban and environmental projects under an EPC+F model. Green Economy & Agriculture: Uzbekistan and ICBA launched an Aral Sea region accelerator program for farmers and agri-entrepreneurs, backed by an Abu Dhabi Fund grant, targeting water scarcity and soil salinization. Pharma Incentives: New support measures will reimburse up to 50% of foreign consulting and international certification costs for domestic pharma manufacturers (capped at $50,000), starting June 1. Tourism Growth via Platforms: Uzbekistan is expanding promotion through digital travel platforms, including Fliggy (Alibaba) and Trip.com, reporting rising Chinese interest and tour purchases. Aviation Connectivity: FlyKhiva will start regular Termez–Istanbul–Termez flights twice weekly from May 30, boosting access for Surkhandarya tourism and business travel.