New Flour Mill in Tajikistan: A new 200-tonnes-per-day flour mill by Iroda Invest LLC was commissioned in Sughd’s Bobojon Ghafurov district, with 600 tonnes of raw-material storage and finished-goods warehousing; Tajikistan says the move supports higher self-sufficiency and cuts import dependence as Q1 2026 flour output jumped 134% year-on-year. Tajikistan Oil and Gas Update: Tajikistan’s oil production rose 9.3% in H1 2026 to 10,013 tonnes, while oil refining increased and petroleum product imports also grew; the energy ministry points to ongoing cooperation with China’s CNPC on exploration and new deposits. Power Losses Under Pressure: EU-Tajikistan talks put electricity losses back on the agenda, with Tajikistan seeking concessional financing and private investment to improve efficiency and reduce transmission/distribution losses in a hydropower-heavy system. Regional Trade & Investment Links: Bangladesh and Tajikistan held Foreign Office consultations in Dhaka, discussing expanded private-sector cooperation and mineral resources, while also signaling stronger trade and investment ties. SCO Dialogue Partner Move: Laos officially became an SCO dialogue partner, with the agreement explicitly targeting economic development, trade, logistics, transport, tourism and digital transformation—areas that matter for regional business connectivity. Crypto Enforcement: Uzbekistan opened a case over alleged illegal crypto trading worth UZS 2.8 billion, highlighting tighter compliance expectations for crypto transactions across the region. Fertilizer Market Shock: WTO data says Persian Gulf conflict disrupted urea and phosphate fertilizer trade via the Strait of Hormuz, raising risks of shortages and price hikes that can quickly feed into food costs.