Author Archives: Marina Kozlova

About Marina Kozlova

Founder and Editor of Yep.uz. 30 years in international journalism (AP, UPI, Interfax, World Politics Review). Born in Tashkent, she lived in Europe for five years and has traveled extensively across Central Asia and the world. Translator, educator, and founder of the "Suhbat" Tashkent Book Club. Amateur chef and connoisseur of home cooking from many countries.

Life expectancy in Uzbekistan has increased by 9 years since 1991 — statistics

The average life expectancy of Uzbekistan’s permanent population reached 75.4 years in 2025. This was reported by the National Statistics Committee. According to the agency, the indicator increased by 9 years compared to 1991. At that time, the average life expectancy was 66.4 years. According to the statistics, life expectancy reached 69.1 years in 1995,

Salaries, pensions and benefits to increase in Uzbekistan: what will change from July 1 and September 1, 2026

The government will increase salaries, pensions, scholarships and social benefits under Presidential Decree No. PF-115, signed on June 23, 2026. Some changes will take effect on July 1, while others will come into force on September 1. Pensions and benefits to rise by 7% from July 1 Starting July 1, 2026, pensions, social benefits, child

Central Bank publishes anti-ranking of banks by number of customer complaints

The Central Bank of Uzbekistan has published a list of commercial banks with the highest customer complaint index for the first quarter of 2026. According to the regulator, the index shows how the share of complaints about a bank submitted to the Central Bank and other government agencies compares with the bank’s share of customers

The issue was resolved, but the aftertaste remains: a review of the Dary Belarusi store in Tashkent

The Dary Belarusi chain of stores in Tashkent sells Belarusian-made products, including sausages, dairy products, canned goods, fish, bread (locally produced), and other food items. So far, I have no complaints about the quality of the products. However, there is another issue that is just as important in retail as product quality — price labels.

Agreement signed for public-private partnership on new Tashkent airport

Uzbekistan Airports and an international consortium led by Saudi Arabia’s Vision Invest have signed a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement for the construction and operation of a new international airport in Tashkent, the company said on June 17. The consortium also includes Japan’s Sojitz Corporation and South Korea’s Incheon International Airport Corporation. The agreement was signed

Mishustin in Tashkent: What Uzbekistan and Russia discussed amid growing trade and the launch of the nuclear power plant project

On June 16, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev received Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who arrived in Tashkent to participate in the Fifth Tashkent International Investment Forum. During the day, the Russian prime minister also held talks with Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov and Head of the Presidential Administration Saida Mirziyoyeva. According to published transcripts and

Renovation, Uzbek-style: what the law promises property owners and what it leaves unsaid

Uzbekistan has adopted the law “On Urban Development Renovation,” which is intended to define the procedure for renewing the old housing stock. Authorities say the program will allow the replacement of dilapidated and outdated buildings with modern housing, improve infrastructure, and raise the quality of the urban environment. However, for thousands of property owners the

Uzbekistan Airways cuts flights to Russia due to fuel shortage

Uzbekistan’s national carrier, Uzbekistan Airways, has announced a reduction in flight frequencies on several routes to Russia, citing a shortage of aviation fuel and rising fuel costs. The airline announced the upcoming changes on June 12. According to its statement, the reductions will affect certain routes between cities in Uzbekistan and the Russian Federation. However,

Housing renovation law in Uzbekistan: up to 17,000 pre-1991 buildings may be replaced with new housing

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation of proposals aimed at improving urbanization and upgrading urban development policy. Among the initiatives, particular attention was given to the country’s first law on urban renovation. According to the presentation materials, authorities are considering the renewal of outdated housing stock. It was noted that instead of 17,000 buildings constructed