In an interview with the India Eurasia Research Forum (IERF), Nargiza Umarova examined the current state of connectivity between Central and South Asia, highlighting persistent infrastructural, logistical, and geopolitical barriers to regional economic integration. She discussed Uzbekistan’s efforts to diversify international transport routes, improve access to global markets, and strengthen interregional trade cooperation. Particular attention was devoted to the strategic significance of the Trans-Afghan Railway project, which could establish a shorter overland connection between Central Asia and South Asian markets. Umarova assessed the implications of regional security challenges, particularly tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, alongside the roles of major external powers, including China, Russia, the United States, and India, in shaping emerging transport corridors. The interview also highlighted Uzbekistan’s approach to advancing regional connectivity through economic interdependence, infrastructure development, and diplomatic engagement, emphasising the importance of sustainable transport links for strengthening long-term cooperation between Central and South Asia. Read on India Eurasia Research Forum * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

In an interview with the newspaper “Narodnoe Slovo”, Khayotjon Ibragimov commented on the situation regarding the supply of automotive fuel to Uzbekistan’s domestic market. The expert identified the main factors affecting gasoline production, including the limited domestic raw material base, the dependence of oil refineries on gas condensate and imported raw materials, and the need for technological modernization of the industry to increase the production of high-octane fuel. Particular attention was paid to the issues of diversifying foreign supplies and making more efficient use of domestic oil refining capacity. According to the expert, importing feedstock not only enables domestic gasoline production but also retains added value within the national economy through the production of diesel fuel, jet fuel, bitumen, and other petrochemical products. Khayotjon Ibragimov also noted the need to transition from one-off purchases to stable and predictable supply channels, expand the geographic range of suppliers, and build up oil reserves. These measures can reduce the risk of disruptions, ensure more stable refinery utilization, and increase the resilience of Uzbekistan’s fuel market to external logistical and production constraints. Read more in the newspaper “Narodnoe Slovo” * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

Khayotjon Ibragimov, a Leading Research Fellow at the Center for Energy Diplomacy and Geopolitics, participated in the latest episode of the “Diplomat” University podcast, which focused on energy security issues in Central Asia. During the discussion, the participants examined the energy potential of the region’s countries, key factors affecting the stability of energy systems, and prospects for further development of regional cooperation. Special attention was given to existing challenges in the energy sector and opportunities for strengthening cooperation among Central Asian states amid growing demand for energy resources and the ongoing transformation of energy markets. * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

In an interview with Novastan, Aziza Mukhamedova, a Leading Research Fellow at the Center for Afghanistan and South Asian Studies at IAIS, analyzed the prospects for Afghanistan becoming a full-fledged transportation and economic bridge between Central and South Asia. The expert noted the significant growth in Uzbek-Afghan trade, infrastructure development in the Termez and Khayraton regions, and progress on the Trans-Afghan Railway project. The discussion focused in particular on the economic viability of future transport corridors, risks associated with Afghan-Pakistani relations, issues related to the financing of railway projects, and Afghanistan’s integration into regional value chains. According to Aziza Mukhammedova, a key indicator of success will be not only an increase in transit traffic but also the ability of the new routes to create jobs, attract investment, and stimulate economic activity directly within Afghanistan. Read more on Novastan * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

In his commentary, Khayotjon Ibragimov examines Uzbekistan’s new privatisation measures under Presidential Decree No. PD-177. He highlights their role in reducing barriers for private investors through more flexible payment terms, improved auction mechanisms, and the transfer of underused state assets into productive economic activity. Particular attention is given to the energy sector, where the privatisation of non-core assets could allow major companies to optimise costs and redirect resources towards infrastructure modernisation, geological exploration, drilling, and digitalisation. Ibragimov concludes that the reform may strengthen private-sector activity while preserving state safeguards over strategically important enterprises. Read on the website of The State Assets Management Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.

Dr. Abbos Bobokhonov, Head of the Center for Asia-Pacific Studies at IAIS, noted that the key challenge for the SCO is the transition from accumulated political potential to the implementation of specific projects and the creation of effective mechanisms for cooperation. In his view, it is precisely the organization’s ability to ensure practical results from its decisions that will determine its continued significance for the countries of Central Asia. In this context, the upcoming SCO summit in Kyrgyzstan could serve as an indicator of the organization’s readiness to move from expanding its membership to deeper institutional development. Among the key factors likely to influence the SCO’s future evolution, experts highlight internal reforms, the prospects for establishing the organization’s own bank, and the nature of cooperation between Russia and China. For the Central Asian states, the challenge remains to strengthen their own agency and advance the regional agenda within the framework of the organization. Read more on Deutsche Welle * The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.