Tajikistan–Belarus Trade & Transport: Tajikistan’s Transport Ministry met Belarus in Brest to push transport digitalization, modern logistics platforms, and an electronic system for exchanging road transport permits—aimed at cutting paperwork and clearance delays. Customs Modernization: Tajikistan’s Customs Service and the Asian Development Bank agreed to upgrade key border crossings, prioritizing Fotehobod-Oybek, Sarazm and Navbunyod, with about $400m expected under CAREC over eight years. Water & Irrigation Cooperation: Tajikistan’s Energy and Water Resources Minister Daler Juma visited Kazakhstan’s Turan Su Irrigation System, highlighting water-saving pipe and drip irrigation production; the visit comes as Central Asia also approved plans to automate Syrdarya water accounting. Fuel Costs Pressure: Kyrgyzstan reported sharp July fuel price rises tied to Russia’s refinery disruptions and export-bans, warning of further increases—an issue that also hits Tajikistan via import dependence. Aviation & Connectivity: Somon Air took delivery of Tajikistan’s first Boeing 737 MAX, a step that can support tourism and business travel. Labor Migration Watch: Russia tightened migration rules; work-related entries from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan fell about 15% in H1 2026, with knock-on effects for families’ access to schooling. Regional Tech Push: Astana Hub launched an international acceleration program to help Central Eurasia startups scale into Kazakhstan.