Uzbekistan Tourism Push: Uzbekistan will launch an annual Open Tourism Season (June–August) with subsidies for airlines and tour operators, $100 per foreign tourist brought in, $5,000 per 1,000 tourists for local operators, and 50% VAT cashback for hospitality—plus funded 7-day trips for major influencers to boost global promotion. Samarkand Investment Plan: President Mirziyoyev approved a $100m package for Samarkand region covering industrial infrastructure, roads, water, power grids and irrigation, targeting job creation, lower unemployment, and higher exports, including plans for a 100-hectare industrial zone. Fintech Forum in Tashkent: The Central Bank and GFTN will host the inaugural Silk Road Finance & Technology Forum in Tashkent Aug 24–26, focusing on open banking, stablecoins, cross-border payments, Islamic finance and investment innovation. Finance Snapshot: Central Bank data show April 2026 real deposit yields rising despite lower nominal rates—retail deposit real yield at 8.4%. Trade & Connectivity: Uzbekistan Airways will cut some flights to Russia due to fuel and energy-market pressures, offering refunds or free rebooking for affected passengers. Regional Health Cooperation: Central Asia concluded “One Health” consultations to finalize a strategic document package for pandemic prevention, food-system sustainability and ecosystem health.