Tashkent International Investment Forum: Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev opened the TIIF with a reform push aimed at investors, including plans for a Tashkent International Financial Center with a tax- and customs-free regime, zero profit/VAT/property taxes and guaranteed free capital movement. Diplomacy & culture: The forum’s opening day also featured high-level meetings, including a Uzbekistan–Albania summit that highlighted expanding trade, logistics, tourism, and cultural-humanitarian cooperation. Islamic finance growth: Uzbekistan’s Islamic microfinance market is accelerating, with Islamic financing reaching UZS 22 billion in the first five months of 2026 and a growing number of microfinance organizations offering Sharia-compliant products. Women in logistics: New regional reporting spotlights how the Middle Corridor is boosting cross-border trade—and how Women in TLP networks are pushing more women into decision-making across transport and logistics. World Cup spotlight (Uzbekistan): Uzbekistan’s World Cup debut against Colombia is framed by coach Fabio Cannavaro as a chance to show the country’s culture and philosophy on football’s biggest stage. Global religion climate: A new Pew study maps rising religion-related social hostility and government restrictions across many countries, including Uzbekistan, adding to the wider travel and rights conversation.