Culture Policy Push: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev unveiled a wide-ranging package to boost Uzbekistan’s culture and arts, pairing copyright protection (using digital/AI tools to track creative assets) with social support for cultural workers, including housing mortgage help, rent compensation, healthcare coverage, and sanatorium vouchers. Tax Relief for Creatives: The government will expand tax incentives for private theaters, film and children’s content producers, and arts education, exempting them from VAT and multiple taxes, while also reimbursing up to 20% of regional concert/event costs from July and issuing large-scale art vouchers for teachers, doctors, students, low-income families, and children with disabilities. Film Industry Overhaul: Uzbekistan will reform film governance, ending several state bodies and reshaping financing and incentives, including support for the “Olting Humo” festival and new revenue distribution rules for state-commissioned films. State Honors for Artists: In Tashkent, Mirziyoyev awarded 167 cultural figures (with 24 posthumous honors), underscoring culture’s role in national identity. Regional Culture & Community: Namangan set a Guinness record by planting 29.4 million flowers for its International Flower Festival. International Cultural Links: Qatar and Uzbekistan chambers discussed activating a Joint Business Council and cooperation in areas like halal, while an ECG Eurasian Film Festival in London highlighted Central Asian cinema. Diaspora Support: Hyosung backed descendants of Korean independence fighters living in Uzbekistan through Good Neighbors. Sports as Lifestyle: Uzbekistan’s World Cup presence also shows up in community watch-party plans, including a match watch featuring Uzbekistan vs. Colombia.