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Uzbekistan

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Uzbekistan. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Tashkent

Head of State

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev

Head of Government

Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov

US Undersecretary of State Jacob Helberg (left) convenes the inaugural Pax Silica Summit in Washington on December 12, 2025. Photo: Getty Images for Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg

US-China relations

Uzbekistan tests US-China AI rift with bid to join rival tech bloc

Tashkent eyes Pax Silica entry as Central Asian nations resist growing pressure to choose between Washington and Beijing in the AI race.

3 hours agovideocam

Mainland China

Jim Rogers eyes up China’s yuan as he warns of a US market crash

16 Aug 2026 - 6:04PM

China trade

China’s Central Asia push

17 Aug 2026 - 9:44AM

SCO

Opinion | The SCO is caught between regional weight and global ambitions

As the SCO marks its 25th anniversary, internal rifts as well as limited financial integration and security cooperation are holding it back.

11 Aug 2026 - 10:29AMvideocam

Hong Kong economy

How Xinjiang offers Hong Kong a bridge to Central Asia — and what the risks are

Xinjiang’s transport links and proximity to Central Asia can help Hong Kong expand in region, but Western sanctions create hurdles, analysts say.

26 Jul 2026 - 2:58PM

Science

Long before the Silk Road, silkworm cocoons already existed in Uzbekistan

Some 4,000 years ago, ancient people brought the production technique for the precious luxury from China to Central Asia via India.

25 Jul 2026 - 10:00AM

Hong Kong economy

Exclusive | Family office of Henderson Land boss to fast-track Central Asia green energy plans

Managing partner of Peter Lee’s family office says firm is pressing ahead with investment projects such as sustainable aviation fuel.

25 Jul 2026 - 5:56PM

Central Asia

China tests Central Asian land corridors to bypass maritime chokepoints

New Afghanistan link via Uzbekistan highlights diversification push, but critics ask if Taliban can ensure security for stable logistics.

25 Jul 2026 - 7:14AMvideocam

Belt and Road Initiative

China Unicom connects Hong Kong-Cambodia cable, widening undersea data network

The submarine cable project ties city with a high-speed data and information corridor running through Southeast Asia.

23 Jul 2026 - 6:17PM

China economy

Opinion | China is growing its export channels with railways through Central Asia

Beijing is seeking to diversify its export channels as geopolitical tensions destabilise maritime trade hubs.

22 Jul 2026 - 9:13AMvideocam

Chinese workers are seen in a tunnel in Kyrgyzstan, on February 13, part of the 523km China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway currently under construction. Photo: Xinhua

Hong Kong society

Hong Kong Palace Museum partners with Uzbek cultural centre for future projects

Signing ceremony also marks first reciprocal visit by Central Asian cultural institution since city leader led delegation to region in June.

20 Jul 2026 - 9:25PM

Firdavs Abdukhalikov (left), director of the Islamic Civilisation Centre, poses with Louis Ng, director of the Hong Kong Palace Museum. Photo: Edmond So

Hong Kong economy

Mainland Chinese firms on Hong Kong-led Central Asia trip ‘eye city listing’

Hong Kong’s leader says city will press on as ‘superconnector’, ‘super value-adder’ to help them expand overseas amid geopolitical disruptions.

14 Jul 2026 - 7:35PM

Hong Kong economy

SCMP’s China Conference to debut in Astana this September

Esteemed China Conference series in Kazakh capital will highlight opportunities in fast-growing Central Asia.

8 Jul 2026 - 3:55PM

Science

‘Totally unexpected’: China’s trial desert wheat yield doubles national average

Researchers attribute the performance of Jingmai 189 variety not only to genetics but also its interaction with desert environment.

3 Jul 2026 - 12:00PMvideocam

The results of the Jingmai 189 harvest are encouraging, according to an expert group assessing the crop. Photo: Institute of Hybrid Wheat Research

Central Asia

Opinion | In today’s ‘great game’, Central Asian nations are no longer prizes to be won

Instead of being caught between great powers, the five Central Asian nations are using hegemonic rivalries to advance their own interests.

2 Jul 2026 - 6:38AM

People walk past the Nur-Astana Mosque, the third largest mosque in Central Asia, in Astana, Kazakhstan, on May 25. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong economy

Editorial | Trade promotion body’s role evolving with Hong Kong’s economy

As the Trade Development Council marks its 60th anniversary, its remit now reflects closer ties with the mainland and changes in the global economy.

18 Jun 2026 - 6:45AM

Hong Kong economy

Publisher’s Pen | Hong Kong’s media must go global amid tech disruption, economic uncertainty

Deals signed during city leader’s Central Asian trip have opened new doors for industry, but it’s up to companies to boldly step through them.

15 Jun 2026 - 1:58PM

Hong Kong economy

HKEX, Kazakhstan’s AIFC explore dual listings with miners after landmark debut

Head of Astana’s special financial zone says deals signed with Hong Kong during John Lee’s visit mark ‘important milestone’ for cooperation.

15 Jun 2026 - 7:00AM

The Astana International Financial Centre is a special zine in Kazakhstan that uses common lew. Photo: AIFC

Diplomacy

Outside In | Central Asia is finally coming into its own

The region’s five countries, inadvertent beneficiaries of Chinese infrastructure investment, then wars and tariffs elsewhere, are finding their feet.

13 Jun 2026 - 6:50AM

Hong Kong economy

Kazakhstan bank turns to Hong Kong as gateway to offshore renminbi finance

Chinese-backed Altyn Bank says Kazakh investors are turning to Hong Kong dim sum bonds to raise long-term capital for regional infrastructure.

11 Jun 2026 - 8:30AM

Hong Kong economy

Opinion | Hong Kong unleashes new growth engine through landmark Central Asia mission

The deals signed during the chief executive’s trip to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan underscore the potential economic synergy that can be unleashed.

9 Jun 2026 - 8:26AM

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu on a tour of the Nazarbayev University campus in Astana, Kazakhstan, on June 3. Photo: ISD

Hong Kong economy

Opinion | Why Hong Kong and Kazakhstan are drawing closer

As Kazakhstan seeks to diversify its financial partnerships and deepen engagement with China, Hong Kong’s offerings stand out.

9 Jun 2026 - 4:08AM

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu visits the Astana Hub to learn about the latest Kazakh developments in artificial intelligence on June 1, in Kazakhstan. Photo: ISD

Hong Kong economy

Central Asia tipped to be Hong Kong’s next logistics hub: Airport Authority head

Chairman Fred Lam says flight disruptions in Middle East and Russia make region viable hub connecting Asia and Europe.

8 Jun 2026 - 12:43AM

Hong Kong economy

Editorial | Central Asia visit has cemented Hong Kong’s position as a superconnector

Beyond the value of the deals, the mission’s success can also be measured through the matching of interests between HK and mainland firms and their Kazakh and Uzbek counterparts.

7 Jun 2026 - 7:15AM

Hong Kong economy

96 deals signed, flights planned: what’s next for Hong Kong and Central Asia?

Observers say real challenge lies ahead as government and business stakeholders follow up to realise gains.

6 Jun 2026 - 9:38PM

Chief Executive John Lee (pointing) tours Nazarbayev University in Astana, Kazakhstan. Photo: Handout

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong ideal platform for Uzbek firms to spread wings globally, John Lee says

City leader invites Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov to be keynote speaker at coming Belt and Road Summit to be held in Hong Kong in September.

5 Jun 2026 - 10:59PM

Chief Executive John Lee (second left) visits the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent to learn about local efforts in cultural preservation, academic research and education promotion. Photo: ISD

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong signs 96 agreements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan worth US$1.65 billion

City leader John Lee hails Central Asia visit as setting stage for closer government and business ties with region.

4 Jun 2026 - 11:21PM

Hong Kong economy

Direct flights between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan to launch this year, sources say

Direct flights between Hong Kong and Tashkent to start as talks begin on reciprocal 30-day visa-free stay agreement to boost trade, tourism and regional ties.

4 Jun 2026 - 7:38PM

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Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan tests US-China AI rift with bid to join rival tech bloc

Tashkent eyes Pax Silica entry as Central Asian nations resist growing pressure to choose between Washington and Beijing in the AI race.

Jim Rogers eyes up China’s yuan as he warns of a US market crash

China’s Central Asia push

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | The SCO is caught between regional weight and global ambitions

As the SCO marks its 25th anniversary, internal rifts as well as limited financial integration and security cooperation are holding it back.

How Xinjiang offers Hong Kong a bridge to Central Asia — and what the risks are

Xinjiang’s transport links and proximity to Central Asia can help Hong Kong expand in region, but Western sanctions create hurdles, analysts say.

Long before the Silk Road, silkworm cocoons already existed in Uzbekistan

Some 4,000 years ago, ancient people brought the production technique for the precious luxury from China to Central Asia via India.

.css-1f6sr3w{color:#727272;}Exclusive | Family office of Henderson Land boss to fast-track Central Asia green energy plans

Managing partner of Peter Lee’s family office says firm is pressing ahead with investment projects such as sustainable aviation fuel.

China tests Central Asian land corridors to bypass maritime chokepoints

New Afghanistan link via Uzbekistan highlights diversification push, but critics ask if Taliban can ensure security for stable logistics.

China Unicom connects Hong Kong-Cambodia cable, widening undersea data network

The submarine cable project ties city with a high-speed data and information corridor running through Southeast Asia.

Opinion | China is growing its export channels with railways through Central Asia

Beijing is seeking to diversify its export channels as geopolitical tensions destabilise maritime trade hubs.

Hong Kong Palace Museum partners with Uzbek cultural centre for future projects

Signing ceremony also marks first reciprocal visit by Central Asian cultural institution since city leader led delegation to region in June.

Mainland Chinese firms on Hong Kong-led Central Asia trip ‘eye city listing’

Hong Kong’s leader says city will press on as ‘superconnector’, ‘super value-adder’ to help them expand overseas amid geopolitical disruptions.

SCMP’s China Conference to debut in Astana this September

Esteemed China Conference series in Kazakh capital will highlight opportunities in fast-growing Central Asia.

‘Totally unexpected’: China’s trial desert wheat yield doubles national average

Researchers attribute the performance of Jingmai 189 variety not only to genetics but also its interaction with desert environment.

Opinion | In today’s ‘great game’, Central Asian nations are no longer prizes to be won

Instead of being caught between great powers, the five Central Asian nations are using hegemonic rivalries to advance their own interests.

Editorial | Trade promotion body’s role evolving with Hong Kong’s economy

As the Trade Development Council marks its 60th anniversary, its remit now reflects closer ties with the mainland and changes in the global economy.

Publisher’s Pen | Hong Kong’s media must go global amid tech disruption, economic uncertainty

Deals signed during city leader’s Central Asian trip have opened new doors for industry, but it’s up to companies to boldly step through them.

HKEX, Kazakhstan’s AIFC explore dual listings with miners after landmark debut

Head of Astana’s special financial zone says deals signed with Hong Kong during John Lee’s visit mark ‘important milestone’ for cooperation.

Outside In | Central Asia is finally coming into its own

The region’s five countries, inadvertent beneficiaries of Chinese infrastructure investment, then wars and tariffs elsewhere, are finding their feet.

Kazakhstan bank turns to Hong Kong as gateway to offshore renminbi finance

Chinese-backed Altyn Bank says Kazakh investors are turning to Hong Kong dim sum bonds to raise long-term capital for regional infrastructure.

Opinion | Hong Kong unleashes new growth engine through landmark Central Asia mission

The deals signed during the chief executive’s trip to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan underscore the potential economic synergy that can be unleashed.

Opinion | Why Hong Kong and Kazakhstan are drawing closer

As Kazakhstan seeks to diversify its financial partnerships and deepen engagement with China, Hong Kong’s offerings stand out.

Central Asia tipped to be Hong Kong’s next logistics hub: Airport Authority head

Chairman Fred Lam says flight disruptions in Middle East and Russia make region viable hub connecting Asia and Europe.

Editorial | Central Asia visit has cemented Hong Kong’s position as a superconnector

Beyond the value of the deals, the mission’s success can also be measured through the matching of interests between HK and mainland firms and their Kazakh and Uzbek counterparts.

96 deals signed, flights planned: what’s next for Hong Kong and Central Asia?

Observers say real challenge lies ahead as government and business stakeholders follow up to realise gains.

Hong Kong ideal platform for Uzbek firms to spread wings globally, John Lee says

City leader invites Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov to be keynote speaker at coming Belt and Road Summit to be held in Hong Kong in September.

Hong Kong signs 96 agreements with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan worth US$1.65 billion

City leader John Lee hails Central Asia visit as setting stage for closer government and business ties with region.

Direct flights between Hong Kong and Uzbekistan to launch this year, sources say

Direct flights between Hong Kong and Tashkent to start as talks begin on reciprocal 30-day visa-free stay agreement to boost trade, tourism and regional ties.

Opinion | The SCO is caught between regional weight and global ambitions

Exclusive | Family office of Henderson Land boss to fast-track Central Asia green energy plans