By February 2026, transactions with resident-issued American Express cards declined in both volume and count. The total transaction value also saw a notable decrease. In contrast, transactions from non-resident institutions grew in both number and value.
The Social Services Agency has launched a tender to acquire apartments for families of martyrs and individuals with disabilities in Neftchala district.
Cashless payments in Uzbekistan are rapidly expanding, driven by growing digital banking services and the widespread adoption of POS terminals across the country.
Early 2026 saw a drop in coal production, while overall industrial activity in Tajikistan maintained positive growth.
The State Water Resources Agency of Azerbaijan has launched a tender for the design and estimate documentation of new water supply networks in multiple districts.
Uzbekistan is rapidly expanding its self-service banking infrastructure, as the number of ATMs and kiosks surges amid rising demand for digital and cashless financial services.
The Ministry’s Transport Department has announced a motor vehicle tender with a 250-manat fee; bids are due by April 23, 2026, at 12:00.
Turkmenistan’s oil and gas sector overfulfilled production and refining plans in the first quarter of 2026, with strong growth in fuel output.
The volume of transactions conducted via MasterCard in Azerbaijan demonstrated notable activity by the end of February, reflecting both growth in usage and shifts in transaction values.
The volume and number of transactions carried out using Visa payment cards in Azerbaijan recorded notable growth by the end of February, reflecting the continued expansion of digital payments in the country.
Uzbekistan’s gasoline production posted solid year-on-year growth at the start of 2026, even as output remains below earlier highs.
The rebound was primarily driven by significant gains in market demand and production.
Turkmenistan’s agricultural sector recorded steady growth in early 2026, with increased output across key state agencies and strong investment performance.
Uzbekistan’s electricity output is on the rise in early 2026, as the country pushes ahead with plans to expand generation and boost the share of renewables in its energy mix.
Uzbekistan is rapidly expanding its digital banking ecosystem, with the number of bank cards in circulation continuing to grow and competition intensifying among leading issuers.
The Turkmenistan branch of Tatneft has launched a tender for the supply of chemical reagents used in drilling fluid preparation for directional drilling operations. Applications are accepted within the specified deadline.
Entrepreneurs from the UAE, Uzbekistan and Georgia, along with local businesses, concluded transactions for polypropylene, base oils and cotton by-products during the latest trading session at the Turkmen commodity exchange.
In February 2026, debit card transactions in Azerbaijan showed significant growth. The latest data from the Central Bank reveals an increase in both the number of transactions and their total volume compared to the previous year.
Uzbekistan continues to expand its cashless payment infrastructure, with POS terminal growth accelerating and larger banks strengthening their lead in the market.
Lending in the national currency has continued to grow across Azerbaijan’s credit market, according to data from the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA).
The European Commission emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and international conventions in addressing environmental challenges, including those affecting the Caspian Sea.
The latest data reveals a steady growth in credit investments across both banking and non-banking sectors in Azerbaijan's economy, indicating positive trends in financial expansion.
The number of cashless transactions carried out through POS terminals in Azerbaijan increased in February, while their total value declined, according to the Central Bank of Azerbaijan.
Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are maintaining strong trade momentum, with bilateral turnover rising sharply in early 2026.
In the first quarter of this year, the Baku Stock Exchange saw a decline in its overall trading volume. Both the total transaction value and the number of deals dropped significantly compared to last year.
Uzbekistan is steadily deepening its economic ties with neighboring Central Asian countries, with regional trade gaining momentum in early 2026.
The effective exchange rate of the Azerbaijani manat has declined against foreign currencies, according to data from the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA).
Iran's livestock sector shows significant production capacity, with a notable portion allocated for export, reflecting the country's strong position in global agricultural markets despite some reliance on imports for specific products.
In March 2026, Android saw a notable increase in market share in Azerbaijan. Microsoft Windows experienced a significant decline, while iOS gained ground, improving its position. These shifts highlight changing preferences in the operating system market.
The shifting market shares among web browsers in Azerbaijan highlight the evolving competitive dynamics in the digital landscape, with Google Chrome maintaining dominance despite some decline.
Deposits from Azerbaijan’s Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions increased as of March 1, 2026. The volume of deposits in both regions showed notable growth compared to the previous month and the same period last year.
Russia is becoming an increasingly important economic partner for Uzbekistan as commerce between the two countries rises consistently.
As of April 1, 2026, Azerbaijan's monetary base saw a notable increase, reflecting steady growth compared to the previous month and the same period last year. The rise indicates a positive trend in the country’s financial sector.
The Embassy of the Kyrgyz Republic in Turkmenistan has announced the selection of a qualified contractor for the renovation of its building facade. Licensed construction firms are invited to apply within the specified deadline.
Uzbekistan and Russia are expanding joint projects across key sectors, signaling deeper economic cooperation.
The Balkan Province Administration has announced a tender for the supply of chemical reagents for laboratory analyses and liquefied carbon dioxide for seawater desalination plants. Applications are accepted within the established deadline.
Credit allocations in Azerbaijan’s Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur regions have grown, reflecting steady expansion in regional financing.
The Ministry of Industry and Construction Production of Turkmenistan has announced an international tender for the supply of refractory and consumable materials and spare parts for cement plants across the country. Applications are accepted within the specified deadline.
Despite a little decline in market share, Google remained Azerbaijan's most popular search engine in March 2026. The market share of Yandex fell somewhat, while that of Bing and Yahoo rose marginally.
Azerbaijan's Instant Payment System (IPS) saw substantial growth in transaction volume and number in February 2026, reflecting a significant increase in digital financial activity and banking engagement.
Improvements in system efficiency, availability of electricity in remote areas, and potential for investment in renewable energy sources are anticipated outcomes of grid modernization and decentralized generation investments in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
The Hajigabul Industrial Park in Azerbaijan is now home to "AzerKvars" LLC. Technical building sand and enhanced quartz sand will be manufactured by the firm. The initiative will increase local output and generate new employment opportunities.
The first two months of 2026 witnessed a notable decrease in trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Germany. Germany saw a sharp decline in Azerbaijani exports, especially of crude oil and associated products.
Mandatory insurance payouts in Azerbaijan recorded a notable increase from January through February 2026, despite a decline in collected premiums.
Large-scale modernization of power infrastructure in Central Asia is expected to improve efficiency, reduce losses, and create significant investment opportunities across the energy sector.
The UK Export Finance (UKEF) sees significant opportunities for British businesses in Azerbaijan, particularly in sectors like clean energy, critical minerals, and infrastructure, bolstered by the strategic partnership between the two countries and Azerbaijan's key position along the Middle Corridor trade route.
Electricity consumption in Tajikistan has followed a steady upward trajectory over the past decade, with demand expected to continue growing in line with economic and demographic trends.
Iran's non-oil foreign trade has taken a turn for the better, showcasing the country's economic grit and determination. The nation has kept its nose to the grindstone, exporting hefty amounts of non-oil goods while also bringing in a significant share of imports.
Payouts for non-life insurance in Azerbaijan grew significantly in the first two months of the year, despite a slight decline in collected premiums, according to the Central Bank of Azerbaijan.
The U.S. import of Azerbaijani products saw a notable increase in the first two months of 2026. Despite this, the overall trade turnover between the two countries decreased. Azerbaijan's exports to the U.S. also showed growth in non-oil products.
Azerbaijan’s banking sector has recorded growth in its business loan portfolio for the information and communications sector, reflecting sustained demand for financing in the industry.
A drop in the agricultural category weighed on overall external quotations at Turkmenistan’s commodity exchange, while other sectors remained stable.
Turkmenistan’s commodity exchange reports steady demand for petrochemical and textile products among international and local buyers during the week from March 30 through April 4.
Construction sector lending in Azerbaijan rose 21% year-over-year to 1.707 billion manat as of March, despite a slight monthly decline, according to the Central Bank.
State budget revenues topped forecasts in the first quarter of 2026, reaching 9.599 billion manat — about 5% above expectations — while government spending remained close to planned levels, according to the Finance Ministry.
As of March 1 this year, Azerbaijan's banks saw an increase in the business loan portfolio for the industrial sector. The Central Bank of Azerbaijan reported growth both month-on-month and year-on-year.
Housing construction in Tajikistan rebounded sharply in early 2026 after a significant decline in 2025.
Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan trade is accelerating, with strong growth recorded at the start of 2026.
Credit allocation to Azerbaijan’s trade and services sector has continued to grow, reflecting sustained business activity and financial support for the real economy.
Revenues from fast money transfer systems in Azerbaijan increased in February 2026. Data from the Central Bank shows growth compared to the same period last year. However, the number of transactions through these systems saw a decline.
The volume and number of transactions conducted using local payment cards in Azerbaijan recorded steady growth by the end of February, reflecting continued expansion in domestic payment activity.
Loan investment in Azerbaijan's construction sector by banks and non-banking institutions increased as of March 1, 2026. According to data from the country's Central Bank, this growth reflects both monthly and annual improvements.
Mortgage lending in Azerbaijan continued to grow in the first quarter, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve housing access for the population.
Azerbaijan has refunded a substantial amount of funds from the state budget to individuals and businesses across various sectors.
Uzbekistan’s trade with the United States continues to grow in early 2026, highlighting strengthening economic ties between the two countries.
The expansion of concessional agricultural lending in Chong-Alay reflects Kyrgyzstan’s ongoing policy to strengthen rural economies by improving access to finance for small-scale farmers and livestock producers.
A decrease in petrochemicals and agriculture segments led to a decline in overall external quotations at Turkmenistan’s commodity exchange, while light industry showed growth.
From January to March 2026, Azerbaijan saw a rise in the value of information and communication services. This growth highlights a positive trend in the sector, contributing to the broader economic performance.
Uzbekistan is seeing rising arrivals from South Korea, driven largely by tourism and growing bilateral ties.
Uzbekistan continues to deepen its economic ties with neighboring Kyrgyzstan, with a steady presence of Kyrgyz-backed enterprises across key sectors of the economy, particularly in trade and industry.
Azerbaijan's GDP for the first quarter of 2026 decreased by 0.3% compared to the same period in 2025, driven by a slight decline in the oil and gas sector, while the non-oil and gas sector showed marginal growth.
Turkmenistan has outlined the share of the Lebap region in national cargo and passenger transportation across different modes of transport.
The OECD also pointed to the need to streamline trade-related measures, as additional duties and non-tariff barriers have increased in recent years, impacting cross-border economic activity.
Cargo transportation volumes in Turkmenistan’s Lebap region increased in the first quarter, while passenger traffic saw modest growth.
Tajikistan’s outlook points to a shift from rapid expansion to more sustainable growth levels, supported by stable domestic demand and a gradually improving external environment.