Uzbek-US Business Push: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev spoke by phone with Donald Trump, highlighting progress on a three-year economic cooperation program and the first U.S.-Uzbek Business and Investment Council, with visa-free access for Americans boosting contacts across civil aviation, auto, mining, energy, metallurgy, AI and digital tech. AI Drive: Uzbekistan says it has climbed 25 places in the Global AI Readiness Index to 62nd, aiming for the top 50 by 2030, with plans to grow AI software services to $1.5bn, expand computing infrastructure and launch 200+ AI projects. EAEU Integration: Uzbekistan’s PM Abdulla Aripov backed practical cooperation with the Eurasian Economic Union on digital trade, industrial ties, eco-technologies, labor mobility and tourism, including work to align technical rules and a joint project portfolio with the Eurasian Development Bank. Central Asia Connectivity: The China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway is moving from planning to active construction, with experts calling it a long-term shift in regional connectivity and market access. Energy Pressure: Central Asia’s summer power crunch is worsening as demand outpaces networks, with Uzbekistan hitting a record electricity load amid rapid cooling demand. Trade & Compliance: Uzbekistan’s economic crime agency says it found a tax fraud scheme involving companies and tax officials, with missed revenue of 42.5bn soums.