News about Uzbekistan: events, facts and developments on tafs uz.
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The SNS Ratings agency has confirmed the maximum national rating of the insurance company Özbekinvest — «(uz)AAA». The agency noted strong institutional support, high capitalization, transparency of operations and a decline in underwriting losses, and also forecast the maintenance of high liquidity and growth in insurance premiums.
Aziz KarimovMastercard has announced the launch of Apple Pay in Uzbekistan in partnership with local banks. Mastercard cardholders will be able to pay for purchases in stores, apps and on websites via iPhone, Apple Watch, iPad and Mac.
Aziz KarimovThe Azerbaijani company AzerGold has officially registered a subsidiary, AzerGold Uzbekistan, in Uzbekistan. At the first stage, the Akba gold deposit in the Kashkadarya region will be assessed, and prospecting work lasting 18 months will begin after the license is obtained.
Otabek YusupovAt an airfield near Tashkent, young engineers launched CanSat-format mini-satellites assembled at the Turin Polytechnic University in Tashkent. The competition was part of the fifth international seminar organized by Uzcosmos, ICESCO and the university; the Nebula team won.
Otabek YusupovPegasus Airlines will begin regular flights from Istanbul to Bukhara, Andijan and Termez from December 2026; tickets are on sale from $99. The company has received permission from the Civil Aviation Agency, while Uzbekistan Airports is negotiating flights to Karshi and Nukus.
Aziz KarimovOn October 28, 2026, it became known that Ozod Hamidkhodjayev, a journalist, commentator for the O‘zbekiston 24 TV channel and its former head, had died. The news was announced by the Journalists' Association of Uzbekistan.
Otabek YusupovThe decree was signed by Prime Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev on October 27. The measure is aimed at protecting local orchardists and selling the 2026 harvest. Uzbekistan is among the main apple suppliers to the Kyrgyz market.
Otabek YusupovMahmud Usmon, presented as a former partner and chairman of the Islamic finance council of IMAN Holding, alleged violations in the use of investors' funds and a shortfall of about $20 million. The company explained this figure as a combination of three different indicators and announced reforms: a change in operational management, the creation of a Sharia Council, and the engagement of independent auditors.
Aziz KarimovEconomist Otabek Bakirov and tax consultant Murod Mukhammadjonov told Kun.uz that the proposal for mandatory digital labeling of vegetable oil is not backed by calculations, and the existing labeling system is still experiencing glitches.
Otabek YusupovThe National Statistics Committee published demographic data for January–September 2026: the number of deaths fell by 8.8 thousand compared with last year and reached its lowest level in five years. At the same time, the birth rate also declined — by 26 thousand children.
Sevara AzamovaFrom November 9, 2026, at the Kazygurt, B. Konysbayev and Atameken checkpoints, international freight carriers will have to pay 86,500 tenge (20 MRPI) to book an electronic queue slot. The money is refunded upon timely arrival and goes to the state budget after two consecutive no-shows within 90 days.
Javlon TursunovAccording to the Uzhydromet forecast, the average temperature in November 2026 is expected to be around the norm, and in some places 1–1.5 degrees above it. The first ten-day period will be warm; in the second and third, temperatures are expected to drop below zero at night, with rain briefly turning into snow not ruled out.
Aziz KarimovThailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports will put forward a proposal at the Visa Policy Committee meeting on November 9 for 15-day visa-free entry for citizens of Uzbekistan, Colombia and Mexico. The initiative is a response to visa issuance delays following the abolition of the 60-day visa-free regime on September 15.
Otabek YusupovFrom January to September 2026, prosecutor's offices received 299,649 appeals, and the rights of 55,898 citizens were restored. Most complaints concerned investigations by internal affairs bodies, social payments and enforcement of court decisions, including alimony. In some areas, the number of appeals increased compared with last year.
Otabek YusupovOn October 27, 2026, Apple Pay became available in Uzbekistan, as announced by the head of the Presidential Administration, Saida Mirziyoyeva. The service has been launched in test mode and supports Visa and Mastercard cards from eight banks, including Uzum, Orient Finans Bank, and TBC Bank. National Uzcard and HUMO cards cannot yet be added to the wallet, despite the Central Bank's statements about work on integration. In parallel, Google Pay has started working for Android devices.
Otabek YusupovAccording to the National Statistics Committee, the average wage for January–September 2026 was 7.27 million soums (+18% year on year), while the median, published for the first time, was 4.17 million soums for January–August. This means that half of workers earn less than this amount.
Aziz KarimovThe Central Bank of Uzbekistan set the exchange rates for October 28: the dollar rose by 57.02 soums to 11,918.98, the euro to 13,283.70, and the ruble to 148.04 soums. This is a continuation of the growth that followed the rate increase the day before.
Sevara AzamovaAccording to the National Statistics Committee, from January to September 2026, 91,142 people arrived in Tashkent and 65,072 left. The capital's migration increase amounted to 26,070 people — almost all of it driven by internal relocations. At the same time, the country's overall migration balance was negative: minus 4,284 people.
Otabek Yusupov
