At the beginning of the 20th century, the Aral Sea was the largest lake in Central Asia (Fig. 1). Starting from the second half of this century, as a result of the drying up of the sea, a new desert ecosystem—the Aralkum Desert—was formed at its bottom (Fig. 2). This area is currently considered one of the largest anthropogenic desert ecosystems in Central Asia. As a result of the decrease in sea level, more than 60,000 km2 of wetlands have turned into land.

Following the results of Q1 2026, the ranking of large banks underwent notable changes. While the leading group remained intact, positions within the segment were reshuffled. In the small-bank category, movements were also significant, pointing to continued realignment and stronger competition across the sector.

TIIF-2026 is poised to build on its legacy as the region's premier investment destination.

https://youtu.be/Gegz0UYV4C4

The 5th Anniversary Tashkent International Investment Forum (TIIF-2026) promo video

https://youtu.be/meQ1RjOHyno

During the meeting, issues of trade-economic and investment cooperation were discussed.

The article notes that a presentation was given for the “Great Silk Road” project, which is planned to cover an area of 32 hectares in New Tashkent, and that the complex will include residential buildings, commercial facilities, hotels, cultural and educational centers, as well as modern infrastructure facilities.

From the Uzbek side, the meeting was co-chaired by Erkin Fayziyevich Gadoyev, head of the friendship group for cooperation with Oman in the Senate of the Oliy Majlis and Chairman of the Committee on Budget and Economic Issues, and from the Omani side by Sheikh Hilal bin Ali bin Zahir al-Hinaiy, Deputy Chairman of the State Council.

On April 15, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received a delegation led by Sergei Kiriyenko, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation.

The Regional Environmental Summit, to be held on 22–24 April 2026 in Astana, Kazakhstan, is of significant importance for Central Asia. Above all, it serves as clear evidence that the countries of the region are jointly seeking solutions to complex challenges such as climate change, water scarcity and land degradation. This reflects a transition to a new phase of environmental policy—one grounded in strong and sustained cooperation.

In recent years, cooperation between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT) has expanded steadily, acquiring strategic significance. This partnership not only strengthens economic ties between the two nations but also serves as a foundation for the formation of a unified digital space across Central Asia.