VAT Cashback for Tourism: Uzbekistan will reimburse 50% of VAT paid by organizers of business tourism events (conferences and corporate events) with at least 100 foreign participants, with applications due within three months after each event. Extreme Heat Watch: Uzhydromet warns of a major heatwave from July 13–17, with temperatures up to 46°C in some regions, raising risks for power supply as electricity demand climbs and equipment efficiency drops. SAF Push in Khorezm: Topsoe and Sasol signed a licensing deal for Allied Biofuels’ eSAF/bio-based SAF plant in Khorezm, combining SynCOR™ and Fischer-Tropsch tech to produce aviation fuel from multiple feedstocks. Digital Economy Strategy: A new push frames Uzbekistan’s digital transformation as a diversification tool, highlighting the role of special legal regimes and investor-friendly reforms tied to Tashkent’s planned international financial center. Uzbekistan–Belarus Partnership: Mirziyoyev’s Minsk visit produced a strategic partnership package covering economic, labor, science and culture ties, as bilateral trade continues to expand. Pension Reform Signals: The IMF says Uzbekistan has started drafting pension reform concepts, but warns key actuarial work and broader overhaul steps are still at an early stage. Transport Connectivity: SunExpress will launch direct Tashkent–Izmir flights from Aug. 1, adding weekly capacity to boost tourism and business links with Turkey. CA Energy Logistics: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan plan a joint trans-Caspian cargo fleet and a logistics hub near Baku port to cut transit times and logistics costs for Uzbek exports. Health Risk: Experts warn rising obesity could cost Uzbekistan $21.6bn by 2060, with overweight prevalence among the highest in Central Asia.