IsDB Financing Boost for Uzbekistan: The Islamic Development Bank approved a US$938m package across six member countries, including US$115m for Uzbekistan’s Kungrad wind power and battery storage project and US$202.15m for agriculture mechanization. Digital Integration Push: At the C5+1 AI conference in Astana, the US and Kazakhstan emphasized trusted digital infrastructure and cybersecurity to unlock investment, while Central Asian business groups urged compatible digital rules for e-docs, digital IDs, data protection, cybersecurity and AI governance. Uzbekistan-Russia Pension Talks: Uzbekistan is negotiating with Russia and Kazakhstan on how to account for migrant work experience and pension accruals, building on existing agreements with Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan. Cross-Border Cash Curbs: Russia tightened cash ruble export rules, cutting the individual limit to 1m rubles for travel to EAEU states plus Azerbaijan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, with confiscation for violations. New Air Link: Centrum Air launched a twice-weekly Hyderabad–Tashkent direct service, strengthening South Asia–Central Asia connectivity for business and trade. Regional Tech Outsourcing Momentum: Uzbekistan highlighted its growing role in global tech outsourcing, with rapid expansion in IT services and company numbers. Uzbekistan Wins Chess Olympiad Gold: Uzbekistan took gold in the Open section of the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, beating Ukraine in the final round.