Zaripbay Kalbaevich Uzakov appointed acting director of the Hududgaz Karakalpakstan branch

The Minister of Uzbekistan for Investment, Industry, and Trade, Laziz Kudratov, held a meeting with the Head of the Republic of Mordovia, Artyom Zdunov. This meeting took place in Tashkent on August 21, as reported by the ministry's press service.

During the negotiations, the parties discussed opportunities to expand direct ties between enterprises. Prospects for increasing trade and economic relations, industrial cooperation, and direct interaction between the regions were also examined.

Particular attention was paid to developing joint projects in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, electrical engineering, metallurgy, agriculture, wood processing, and AT.

Possibilities for establishing new production capacities in the industrial parks of Bukhara, Navoi, and Jizzakh regions, as well as expanding direct contacts between companies, were discussed.

Kudratov and Zdunov agreed to accelerate the development of specific cooperative and investment initiatives, as well as to continue cooperation between the relevant structures and business circles.

The parties also considered the potential for expanding trade and economic ties, industrial partnership, and direct interregional interaction. The focus was placed on developing joint ventures in the fields of pharmaceuticals, electrical engineering, metallurgy, agriculture, woodworking, and AT.

Furthermore, the possibility of creating new production facilities in the industrial zones of Bukhara, Navoi, and Jizzakh, as well as strengthening direct communication channels between enterprises, was discussed.

According to available information, the volume of trade between Uzbekistan and Mordovia has increased by 2.5 times since 2022, and the current volume is estimated at almost $70 million annually. During a bilateral business forum held in Tashkent with the participation of entrepreneurs from Uzbekistan and Mordovia, deals worth $25 million were signed.

On the occasion of Entrepreneur's Day, 39 entrepreneurs operating in the capital city of Tashkent were presented with state awards. Among the recognized individuals are leaders and founders of well-known brands such as Uzum, Yandex Go, Oqtepa Lavash, Dodo Pizza, Centrum Air, and Sofizar.

The recognized entrepreneurs work in various sectors, including information technology, aviation, public catering, medicine, education, hospitality, light industry, utilities, and other fields.

One of the largest enterprises is Uzum. According to the company's data, its ecosystem employs over 14 thousand people, and in 2025, the company finished the year with a net profit of $176 million. Uzum's CEO, Jasur Jumaev, was awarded the badge 'Active Entrepreneur.'

Abdulaziz Abdurahmonov, founder of Centrum Air and My Freighter, received the Order of Friendship. The airline Centrum Air has a fleet of 16 aircraft, operates flights to over 55 destinations, and has transported more than 3 million passengers to date.

Oqtepa Lavash founder, Behzod Gulomov, also received the badge 'Active Entrepreneur.' The network has 97 branches in 11 cities across Uzbekistan. According to open sources based on tax committee data, Oqtepa Lavash paid 20 billion soms in the first half of 2026.

The awards were presented by the Mayor of Tashkent, Shavkat Umurzokov. The entrepreneurs were awarded the Orders of 'Friendship' and 'Bravery,' as well as medals for 'Healthy Lifestyle,' 'Builder of the Future,' and 'Glory,' in addition to the badge 'Active Entrepreneur.' A presidential decree containing a list of 'Active Entrepreneurs' was also mentioned.

In connection with the 35th anniversary of the state sovereignty of the Republic of Uzbekistan, a spiritual and educational event was organized at one of the correctional facilities in the Kashkadarya region under the slogan 'Service to the Motherland is the greatest happiness.'