EBRD Youth Finance: The EBRD is extending up to US$50m to Uzbekistan’s O’zsanoatqurilishbank (SQB) under its Youth in Business programme, targeting MSMEs led by people under 35, with loans available in dollars or synthetic som. Steel Modernisation: The EBRD also backs Uzbekistan’s TPP with US$25m to upgrade long-steel production and cut natural gas use by 22% annually through energy-efficiency equipment. Consumer Sentiment: Uzbekistan’s central bank survey shows 68% expect income growth and 66% still rely on official salaries, while 77% anticipate higher spending—signs of cautious optimism but uneven pressure across income groups. TIIF Investment Push: At Tashkent International Investment Forum, President Mirziyoyev unveiled a six-point investment agenda including a Tashkent International Financial Center under English common law, plus plans for an international commercial court and more support for AI, critical minerals and renewables. US-India Trade, Uzbekistan Link: USTR Jamieson Greer heads to India for talks on a near-complete interim trade deal, then travels to Tashkent for meetings with Uzbekistan’s top leadership. Korea Data Centers: Uzbekistan’s deputy PM Jamshid Khodjaev met Korean firms (Daewoo E&C and KIND) to map data center plans tied to the airport-linked “aerocity” project. Green Power Scale-Up: At TIIF, Masdar and ACWA Power outlined large renewable pipelines, reinforcing Uzbekistan’s push to raise clean power’s share to 40% by 2030.