US-Central Asia Ties: The U.S. Senate passed a resolution backing deeper cooperation with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, highlighting trade, energy security and countering terrorism and illicit trafficking. Afghanistan Talks: Russia will host the 8th “Moscow Format” consultations on Afghanistan on Oct. 5, with Taliban, regional states including Tajikistan, and Russia discussing political/economic cooperation, terrorism and drug trafficking. Middle Corridor Economics: A World Bank report says upgrading the Trans-Caspian “Middle Corridor” could more than triple trade volumes by 2040, cut travel times and add 2 million jobs, with reforms needed alongside infrastructure. Digital & Cyber Support: The U.S. allocated $5m for cybersecurity and digital development across Central Asia via CRDF Global, while Tajikistan also hosted regional ICT discussions. Tajik-Afghan Power Link: Afghanistan’s power utility says Tajikistan is ready to expand electricity exports, including a planned 500-kilovolt transmission line. Regional Trade Reality Check: Intra-Central Asia trade rose 82% since 2020, but still sits at about 5% of total turnover, keeping dependence on China, Russia, the EU and Turkey. Cash Controls in the Region: Russia tightened cash export rules, capping cash carried to EAEU states and countries including Tajikistan at 1 million rubles.