Aviation Push: Uzbekistan Airports has signed a concession deal for a “New Tashkent” airport, aiming to serve up to 20m passengers and 300,000 tons of cargo, with construction set to start soon and major partners including Japan’s Sojitz and Incheon International Airport Corporation. Digital & Talent Spotlight: Uzbekistan hosted IOI 2026 in Tashkent, with 386 students from 97 countries competing; all four Uzbek team members won honors, underscoring the country’s push to build an IT and STEM pipeline. Governance Update: President Mirziyoyev signed a constitutional law defining the powers and functions of the Administration of the Head of State, including roles in reforms, policy proposals, coordination with law enforcement and regulators, and support for citizenship and pardons. Cross-Border Land Work: Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan advanced practical steps for land plot exchange, including citizenship determination, resettlement, property transfers, and a joint working group now conducting field visits. Energy Shock: A major blackout across Central Asia on Aug. 14 triggered conflicting accounts between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan over what caused the split in the regional power grid. Afghanistan Trade Link: Afghanistan’s industry and commerce minister urged stronger trade and investment ties with Uzbekistan and China, calling for new transit corridors to move Afghan exports via Central Asia. Diaspora Development: Tashkent hosted the Uz Global Think Forum on leveraging compatriots abroad for “New Uzbekistan,” bringing together successful diaspora experts in science, economics, innovation and technology.