Uzbekistan Roundup: Electric Buses, Inmate Deaths, Tourism Growth…

Uzbekistan has launched a project for 200 electric buses to promote environmental sustainability. Tragically, two inmates died in prison last week, prompting an investigation. Tourism from Germany is rising significantly, while new work visas for Pakistani workers have been reinstated. Additionally, a potential $60 million trade opportunity in agriculture with Kuwait is being explored.

Uzbekistan has initiated a significant project to procure 200 electric buses along with requisite charging stations for its capital city. This initiative is aligned with the nation’s environmental objectives as part of the “Uzbekistan-2030” strategy, promoting a sustainable and green economy. Following a competitive bidding process, Yutong Bus has been awarded the contract after fulfilling all technical and project specifications satisfactorily.

In recent developments within the country’s penal system, two inmate fatalities were recorded last week in Tashkent region’s prisons. The first case involved a 21-year-old male who succumbed to a heart attack and acute pancreatitis, while the second incident involved a 41-year-old man who sustained fatal injuries during prison maintenance work. In response, the Chief Prosecutor’s Office has commenced an investigation into these occurrences.

Tourism in Uzbekistan has seen a remarkable upswing, particularly from Germany, with over 37,000 visitors welcomed in 2024, an increase of nearly 8,000 from the prior year. Most of these tourists traveled for leisure (31,291), with others visiting family, for business, education, and medical purposes. This surge exemplifies the growing interest in Uzbekistan and highlights its strengthening ties with Germany.

In labor market news, Uzbekistan has reopened its work visa program for Pakistani nationals following the Pakistan Embassy’s recommendations. The Bureau of Emigration and Overseas Employment is now facilitating the registration of workers, lifting a previous ban due to concerns regarding working conditions. This policy change comes in advance of the Pakistani Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to Uzbekistan in late February 2025.

Regarding trade, Uzbekistan is exploring a $60 million export potential in agriculture and food products to Kuwait, following President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to the country in February. This visit was at the invitation of Kuwait’s Emir and aimed to assess and enhance trade relations between the two nations. While existing trade has been promising, reports highlight significant untapped opportunities for collaboration in the future.

The recent developments in Uzbekistan demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental sustainability through electric bus procurement, a responsive approach to inmate welfare, and a notable increase in tourism from Germany. Additionally, the reopening of work visas for Pakistanis reflects evolving labor relations, while potential agricultural trade with Kuwait signifies economic growth opportunities. These elements illustrate Uzbekistan’s dynamic progress in multiple sectors.

Original Source: globalsouthworld.com