From May 3 to 6, 2026, Samarkand will become the epicenter of global economic diplomacy. The 59th Annual Meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), themed "Crossroads of Progress," will gather over 3,000 delegates, including finance ministers and central bank governors from 69 countries.

On the sidelines of the Regional Ecological Summit in Astana, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) approved a Joint Action Plan. This document transitions broad declarations of intent into a concrete strategy for tackling climate threats across Central Asia.

Your Excellency Kassym-Jomart Tokayev! Esteemed heads of delegations! Ladies and gentlemen! At the outset, I would like to express my special gratitude to His Excellency Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, for his initiative to host the Regional Ecological Summit, the high level of its organization, and the traditionally warm hospitality.

The meeting of CIS Foreign Ministers concluded in Moscow, marking a significant step in strengthening regional integration. Following the talks, a substantial package of documents was signed, defining the Commonwealth's priorities in humanitarian, economic, and defense sectors.

Uzbekistan is setting a new pace for ecological transformation in Central Asia: the UN has officially endorsed the republic's updated climate plan. The Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) noted that Tashkent's ambitious targets for achieving carbon neutrality will serve as a significant contribution to the global fight against climate change.

Fintech companies 8B and PayU have announced a strategic partnership aimed at developing payment infrastructure between India and Central Asia. The initiative will allow Indian tourists to pay abroad using familiar methods such as UPI, internet banking, and bank cards.

The economic partnership between Uzbekistan and the United States has received a powerful institutional boost. The American-Uzbek Business and Investment Council officially launched its activities in Washington—a strategic platform designed to translate the political trust of both nations' presidents into tangible business assets.

Azerbaijan’s Prime Minister Ali Asadov emphasized the strategic importance of the Middle and Zangezur corridors at the second meeting of the heads of government of the Turkic Council member states, held at the Gulistan Palace.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was briefed on measures to ensure projected economic indicators for the first quarter of 2026 and mitigate the negative impact of global market instability on the national economy.

On March 24, the ministers of industry from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan met in Tashkent to discuss joint projects in metallurgy, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and other sectors, as well as preparations for new industrial facilities.

Switzerland’s Federal Supreme Court has rejected Gazprom’s appeal and upheld an international arbitration ruling ordering the Russian energy giant to pay $1.37 billion to Ukraine’s Naftogaz in a dispute over gas transit.

Russia and Hungary have agreed to explore alternative ways of delivering energy resources if pipeline routes become unavailable, with maritime transport among the options under consideration.

Global oil prices rose in early trading on Monday as investors assessed the potential impact of escalating Middle East tensions on energy supplies.

Continuing the business program of his visit to Washington D.C., President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received President and Chairman of the Eximbank John Jovanovic and Chief Executive Officer of the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Ben Black.

According to Bloomberg, the Kremlin has prepared a memorandum considering Russia’s potential return to the international dollar system after a peace agreement with Ukraine. The document outlines seven areas of possible economic cooperation with the U.S., including aviation, energy, and raw materials.

The first meeting of the Uzbekistan–U.S. Business and Investment Council was held in Tashkent, marking a new platform for expanding trade and economic cooperation between the two countries.

Uzbekistan and the United States have agreed on a strategic partnership in critical minerals and rare earth elements. The memorandum of understanding was signed by Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau.

U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Kevin Warsh for the position of Chair of the Federal Reserve. If confirmed by the Senate, he would succeed Jerome Powell, whose term expires in May 2026. Trump has repeatedly criticized Powell over his refusal to lower interest rates.

U.S.-based investment fund Noble Capital RSD has filed a lawsuit in a federal court seeking to recognize Russia’s obligations on bonds issued by the Russian Empire in 1916, according to RBC.

On Monday, Bitcoin rose 3.9% to reach $94,000 — its highest level since November 17. The market reacts to the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and rumors of a possible seizure of up to 600,000 BTC from the country’s “shadow” reserve.