Uzbekistan–Hong Kong Business Push: Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee led a delegation to Tashkent, signing 35 MoUs on trade, investment, finance, tech and aviation, with Mirziyoyev and Lee highlighting Hong Kong as a “super connector” for Uzbekistan’s modernization. Nuclear Power Dealmaking: Uzbekistan’s first integrated nuclear plant is pegged at a $9.5bn cost ceiling, with plans to seek mostly external credit (up to 85–90%) and talks with BRICS’ New Development Bank. Competition & Digital Markets: Uzbekistan’s regulator gave preliminary approval for Tapuz Limited to acquire OLX Classifieds, but only under conditions restricting dominance and misuse of user data. Public Transport Reform: The government extended a zero recycling fee for imported new buses, electric buses and trolleybuses until end-2027, and set a new validator-based exit payment system from Sept 2026. AI for Jobs: Digital Technologies Minister Sherzod Shermatov said Uzbekistan’s AI strategy prioritizes job creation and bringing remote work home. Regional Connectivity Talks: At the second Termez Dialogue, Uzbekistan discussed advancing an Afghan-transit rail project with feasibility work aimed to finish by year-end. Aral Sea Restoration Cooperation: Xinhua reports China–Central Asia research efforts based in Tashkent to monitor and tackle Aral Sea shrinkage and land restoration. Ukraine War Spillover: St. Petersburg faced a large-scale Ukrainian drone attack during SPIEF, with dozens of UAVs reportedly shot down and no damage reported.