US-Central Asia Business Push: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Uzbekistan in mid-October leading a delegation of 100+ American companies, with a C5+1 foreign ministers meeting in Samarkand focused on trade, investment, energy security and regional connectivity. Tajikistan-Azerbaijan Connectivity: Tajikistan’s PM Qohir Rasulzoda met Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev in Baku to expand transport, logistics, trade and energy, while officials also discussed using the Middle Corridor and Zangezur routes to move Tajik goods to international markets. Green Digital Corridor Idea: Tajikistan’s deputy industry minister proposed a green digital corridor with Azerbaijan, citing Tajik hydropower dominance and “water + AI” potential for sustainable computing. ECO Industrial Cooperation: Iran’s Araghchi urged the Economic Cooperation Organization to play a bigger role in peace, stability and sustainable development ahead of the Tehran summit. Diesel Supply Watch: Russia boosted diesel shipments to Kyrgyzstan to 72,000+ tonnes in August (16x July), with wider exports also reaching Tajikistan, underscoring shifting fuel flows across the region. Aviation Shock from US Sanctions: New US measures are tightening Iran’s aviation access as UAE and Oman suspend Iranian airline flights, with knock-on effects for regional travel including routes involving Tajikistan. DITE-2026 Tourism Trade: Dushanbe opened the 3rd International Tourism Exhibition (DITE-2026) with B2B deals and a focus on sustainable, digital and medical/wellness tourism.