ADB Trade Facilitation: The Asian Development Bank approved a $400m regional financing facility to modernize CAREC border crossing points, cut logistics costs, and speed movement of people and goods. Tajik Tourism Push: Dushanbe adopted a 2027-2030 tourism action plan to 2030, with 273.4m somoni ($29.5m) funding across infrastructure, safety, workforce and the “E‑Mehmon” system. Cement Capacity Expansion: Tajikistan broke ground on a new 1.2Mta cement plant in Khatlon (completion targeted for 2029) to tackle shortages and stabilize prices, adding to three other plants under construction. US Antimony Supply Race: US-focused antimony projects are ramping up: Felix Gold’s mine-to-metal plan in Alaska and a planned US refinery, plus Nova Minerals shipping 454t of processing equipment to Alaska for first production in 2027—aimed at reducing heavy import reliance. Regional Connectivity & Trade: Uzbekistan’s trade deficit widened to $9.67bn in Jan–July as exports fell and imports rose, while connectivity upgrades across Central Asia (highway and rail links) are boosting cross-border freight flows. SCO Summit Watch: As the SCO turns 25, leaders head to Bishkek next week, with India’s Modi attending and China’s Xi expected—setting the tone for security and trade talks across Eurasia. Fuel Route Disruptions: Russia’s refinery disruptions are pushing Central Asia to seek alternatives, with Kyrgyzstan turning more to China and Tajikistan requesting crude and fuel from Iran.