Uzbekistan’s Recent Initiatives: From Transportation to Tourism and Trade

Uzbekistan is undertaking significant initiatives including the procurement of 200 electric buses to promote sustainability, responding to inmate fatalities by launching investigations, experiencing a surge in German tourism, allowing work visa registrations for Pakistani workers, and exploring $60M export potential with Kuwait in agriculture and food sectors.

Uzbekistan has taken a significant step towards enhancing its public transportation system by launching a project to procure 200 electric buses and related charging stations for the capital city. This initiative aligns with the country’s “Uzbekistan-2030” strategy, which emphasizes green economy goals and environmental sustainability. Following a competitive bidding process, Yutong Bus, one of three Chinese companies competing, was selected to provide the most suitable solution for the project.

In a tragic report, Uzbek authorities confirmed the deaths of two inmates within one week in prison facilities located in the Tashkent region. One victim, a 21-year-old man, died from a heart attack and acute pancreatitis, while the second, a 41-year-old inmate, suffered fatal injuries during maintenance work at the prison. The Chief Prosecutor’s Office has initiated investigations into both incidents, as reported by VOA.

Tourism in Uzbekistan has witnessed a significant surge, with over 37,000 German tourists visiting the country in 2024, marking an increase from the previous year. The Statistics Agency indicated that 31,291 visits were for tourism purposes, with additional visits for family, business, educational, and medical reasons. This trend illustrates a growing interest in Uzbekistan among German travelers and highlights the strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two nations.

Following a recommendation from the Pakistani Embassy in Tashkent, the Government of Pakistan has lifted the ban on work visas for its citizens seeking employment in Uzbekistan. This decision, prompted by previously poor working conditions and unpaid wages, allows the Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment to register Pakistani workers for job opportunities in Uzbekistan. This change comes ahead of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to Uzbekistan in February 2025.

Uzbekistan is also seeking to expand its trade relations with Kuwait, estimating a potential $60 million in export opportunities within the agriculture and food sectors. During President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s recent visit to Kuwait, discussions focused on enhancing economic collaboration and assessing trade patterns from the past eight years. While existing trade relations have shown positive development, both nations recognize the need to explore further avenues for cooperation, according to Fresh Plaza.

In summary, Uzbekistan is actively pursuing initiatives that enhance its transportation infrastructure, address inmate welfare, boost tourism, and foster international labor relations. The efforts to procure electric buses reflect environmental commitments, while the increase in German tourists showcases growing interest in the country. The lifting of the work visa ban for Pakistanis and the exploration of agricultural exports to Kuwait further signify Uzbekistan’s approach to strengthen its global economic ties.

Original Source: globalsouthworld.com