WEEKLY DIGEST · 30 October – 5 November 2026 · Key Economic and Fiscal News

🟢 The World Bank presented a new study on the impact of demographic changes on economic development in South Asia. Only 60% of the region's working-age population is employed, while 88% of workers are engaged in the informal sector. Just 17% of the working-age population contribute to the pension system. The report highlights the need to create formal jobs, increase women's employment and strengthen social protection systems. Read more.

🟢 Uzbekistan is developing an industrial development strategy through 2035. Industrial development priorities were discussed with representatives of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation and McKinsey experts. The new strategy places particular emphasis on expanding domestic production, increasing value-added processing of raw materials, boosting exports and attracting foreign investment. Read more.

🟢 Remittances to Uzbekistan from abroad exceeded $15 billion. Between January and September 2026, the country received $15.16 billion in remittances, an increase of 8.9% compared with the same period of the previous year. However, remittance growth slowed to 2.9% in the third quarter. Outward remittances from Uzbekistan totalled $1.95 billion. Read more.

🟢 The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a loan of up to $10 million to Uzbekistan's Auto Rubber to expand production. The financing will support the localisation of rubber component manufacturing for the automotive industry, the installation of new equipment and the expansion of the product range. The project aims to strengthen domestic industrial capacity and support private sector development. Read more.

🟢 The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a loan of up to $20 million to Uzbekistan's Star Group. The financing will support the expansion of fast-moving consumer goods distribution, working capital replenishment, regional business development and product range diversification. The project is expected to support private entrepreneurship and the development of domestic trade infrastructure. Read more.

🟢 The World Bank published a new economic report on Equatorial Guinea. In 2025, the country's economy contracted by 5.8% due to declining oil and gas production, while government revenue amounted to 16.3% of GDP. The report provides recommendations on economic diversification, increasing private investment, simplifying tax compliance and expanding formal employment. Read more.

🟢 The Asian Development Bank (ADB) plans to increase the share of cross-border projects to 30% of its total operations by 2030. The new approach aims to expand trade and investment and develop transport, energy and digital infrastructure. In Central Asia, modernising border crossing points and simplifying trade procedures have been identified as key priorities. Read more.