Energy and Economy 

Construction of Nuclear Power Plant Begins in Uzbekistan 

The launch of construction took place on March 24, with officials from Uzatom and Rosatom in attendance. Workers began to lay the concrete foundation for the reactor building at the site in the Jizzakh region, which has passed tests by Uzatom for safety and seismic risks. Meanwhile, representatives from Uzatom and Rosatom signed several agreements for project implementation, including plans to train workers at the facility and to develop housing infrastructure for personnel.  

Source: Times of Central Asia 

UNDP Conducts Training Session in Turkmenistan to Reduce Methane Emissions 

Representatives from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) presented modules and lectures to Turkmen ministry officials in Ashgabat to discuss strategies to monitoring and reducing methane emissions. The UNDP conveyed how the effects of methane in the atmosphere far exceed those of carbon emissions, underlining the importance of building government capacities to verifiably record emissions data. Turkmenistan has pledged to reduce emissions in accordance with its nationally-determined contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, and more specifically, it signed the 2023 Global Methane Pledge to cut methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030.  

Source: United Nations Development Program 

Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) Meets in Shymkent 

The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) convened in Shymkent last week. Kazakhstan, which holds the union’s 2026 chairmanship, led the meeting and emphasized priorities like artificial intelligence (AI), digital logistics, industrial cooperation, and reducing internal barriers. Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov also noted that the country is “ready to share experience with EAEU partners on digital regulation and economic transformation.” The meeting took place amid rising tensions among member states over trade disputes, particularly following Russia’s introduction of new trade controls that have increased friction for imports. 

Source: The Times of Central Asia 

China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway Enters Active Construction Phase 

During a meeting between Kyrgyz government officials and private company representatives working on the railway project, it was confirmed that large-scale construction has begun. Over 5,000 workers and 5,600 technical units are working on essential sections of the railway, including tunnels and bridges, with the goal of boosting logistical connectivity. A section of the railway through Kyrgyzstan will be constructed with Chinese rail gauge standards, while a dry port in Makmal will oversee gauge transfers.  

Source: Times of Central Asia 

Kazakhstan-Kashagan dispute Moves Further to International Arbitration 

Kazakhstan’s second large legislative procedure over production sharing agreement (PSA) in its Kashagan oil field will be heard under the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes framework, which is headquartered in Washington, DC. Kazakhstan’s claim raises the removal of sulfur storage limits at the Kashagan field, operated by North Caspian Operating Company N.V. (NCOC). The foreign investors initiated international arbitration proceedings against country clams as well. Earlier in January 2026, an international arbitration tribunal ruled in favor of Kazakhstan in its dispute with shareholders in the Karachaganak Oil and Gas Projects, Eni, Shell, Chevron, and Lukoil. 

Source: The Times of Central Asia  

Türkiye Launches Railway Construction Linking to TRIPP and the Middle Corridor 

On March 26, Türkiye’s Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu stated that the construction has already started on Türkiye's 224-kilometer section of railways connecting with the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). Uraloglu stated that construction on Azerbaijan’s side—covering the 180-kilometer section through its Nakhchivan exclave—is nearing completion, while work in Armenia has not yet begun. The corridor will establish a direct overland link from Kars in eastern Türkiye to Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan exclave, before passing through approximately 43 kilometers of Armenia’s Zangezur region and continuing into mainland Azerbaijan. 

Source: Vestnik Kavkaza, TRT World 

John Deere to Explore the Possibility of Establishing Machinery Production in Uzbekistan  

Following the conclusion of agreements on development agricultural sector, Uzbekistan American agricultural machinery giant, John Deere, stepped further in their negotiations to consider modernizing Uzbekistan’s agro-industrial complex and the integration of innovative solutions into the agricultural sector. A significant portion of the dialogue was dedicated to the potential for direct investment and the localization of machinery production on Uzbek soil. Both sides, therefore, showcase strong commitment to maintain an ongoing dialogue and successfully adapt technology to specific regional needs. Uzbekistan also hopes that the partnership the efficiency and environmental sustainability of Uzbekistan’s agricultural sector.  

Source: Daryo 

Russia to Ban Gasoline Exports 

On March 28, following a meeting on the situation on domestic petroleum products market, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia Alexander Novak instructed the Ministry of Energy to prepare a draft government decree banning gasoline exports starting from April 1, 2026. According to a Cabinet statement, the measure is intended to “stabilize prices and ensure priority supply to the domestic market.” Several regions in Russia, along with parts of Ukraine under Russian occupation, reported gasoline shortages last year following intensified Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries and amid a seasonal surge in fuel demand. Novak also mentioned that the turmoil in global oil ⁠and oil products market, caused by the crisis in the Middle East, has been leading to significant price fluctuations. 

Source: Reuters 

Politics and Security 

Uzbekistan Issues Presidential Decree to Support Young Families 

Uzbekistan has approved new reforms offering financial incentives, legal benefits, and social support for couples entering their first marriage at age 21 or older. Set to launch in 2027, the initiative aims to promote more deliberate family formation and strengthen the financial and legal stability of young households. A parallel measure will also support female students who are pregnant or have children in returning to higher education. 

Source: Daryo 

Türkiye Intercepts Fourth Ballistic Missile Launched from Iran 

On March 30, Ministry of Defense of Türkiye published a statement confirming the interception of a ballistic missile launched from Iran over its airspace. According to the statement, the missile was intercepted by NATO air and missile defense systems in the Eastern Mediterranean launched from Iran. It added that all necessary measures are being implemented to safeguard the country’s territory and airspace, while developments are being closely monitored with national security as the top priority. This was the fourth interception by Turkish defense forces since the start of the conflict in the Middle East on February 28. 

Sources: Daily Sabah, TRT World