Trump in Uzbekistan, a new minister, rising salaries, and new visa restrictions — news of the week

Trump in Uzbekistan, a new minister, rising salaries, and new visa restrictions — news of the week

About 300 TSTU students were evicted from a dormitory that had not yet been officially put into operation. Egypt is tightening entry rules starting in November.

**Salaries are growing, but the money doesn't stay long**

Uzbekistanis have started earning more, but judging by the latest data, this does not mean they have more disposable cash: income growth is quickly turning into an increase in expenses.

Over the past six months, real wages increased by 10.9%, 66% of residents expect a further increase in income, and 76% intend to spend more. At the same time, almost every second survey participant has no savings. The gap is particularly noticeable depending on income levels: some are making plans for travel, cars, and buying housing, while others are planning for repairs, medical treatment, and education. Against this backdrop, inflation continues to add new expenses: in September, vegetable prices rose at double-digit rates, gasoline and propane added 4.2%, and tuition at state universities went up by 6.3%. As a result, a curious picture emerges: the economy gives people more money, but at the same time creates more and more reasons to spend it. As long as income growth stays ahead of inflation, it looks fairly good — the question is how much of this increase will ultimately remain with the population.

**The plague is in the news again — but not in Uzbekistan**

Following a report of a possible plague case in Irkutsk, Uzbekistan was quick to clarify: there is currently no reason to transfer the alarm across the border.

The Russian case has not yet been confirmed as plague, so speaking of any threat to Uzbekistan is premature. Nevertheless, the response of the Sanitary-Epidemiological Welfare and Public Health Committee shows that such reports are taken seriously: 53 sanitary control checkpoints operate at the border, and specialized laboratories are equipped with the necessary tools to diagnose particularly dangerous infections. However, having a control system is only half the battle: no less important is how quickly it can identify a real case and how clearly the authorities explain the situation to the public. For now, there is indeed no cause for panic.

**Trump may visit Uzbekistan**

A visit by Donald Trump to Uzbekistan has not yet been scheduled, but those close to the US President say that such a trip is indeed part of his plans.

Trump's special representative Paolo Zampolli stated that the President wants to visit Uzbekistan and that work on organizing the visit is ongoing. At the same time, there are no specific dates. Against the backdrop of the expected arrival of Marco Rubio and more than 100 representatives of American business in Samarkand, this looks like part of Washington's broader interest in Central Asia. If the visit does take place, it could take relations between Tashkent and Washington to a new level — especially in trade, investment, and regional cooperation. For now, however, it remains an intention, not an announced trip.