CAIRO, July 25. /Dunyo IA/. Egyptian newspaper Al Youm Al Sabea and international news portal SEE News have published articles highlighting the upcoming First International Sister Cities Forum in Samarkand and Uzbekistan's Tax Free system for foreign tourists, Dunyo IA correspondent reports.

According to Al Youm Al Sabea, the First International Sister Cities Forum will be held in Samarkand on July 24–25. The publication notes that the forum is intended to expand Uzbekistan's international cooperation, strengthen partnerships between cities, and promote people-to-people diplomacy by providing a valuable platform for exchanging best practices and fostering long-term collaboration. The program will include an international scientific and practical conference, panel discussions, roundtable sessions, and ceremonies for the signing of memorandums and cooperation agreements between sister cities.

Meanwhile, SEE News reports that, effective April 1, 2026, Uzbekistan introduced a Value Added Tax (VAT) refund (Tax Free) system for foreign visitors at all international airports. The system enables tourists to claim VAT refunds on goods purchased in Uzbekistan, with reimbursements made either in cash or transferred to a bank card within three working days after the goods are taken out of the country.

The publication notes that the initiative is expected to enhance Uzbekistan's attractiveness as a tourist destination, stimulate retail trade, and support the sustainable development of the tourism sector. In the future, the system is planned to be gradually expanded to include railway stations and border customs checkpoints, while also covering a broader network of retail outlets with a strong emphasis on digitalization of the refund process.