The state visit of the President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Seok-yol at the invitation of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has ended.
During the three-day visit, high-level talks were held, at the end of which the leaders signed a joint statement on further deepening and comprehensive expansion of the Special Strategic Partnership. A bilateral set of documents was received.
The heads of state participated in a joint business forum with the participation of representatives of leading Korean companies and banking and financial institutions.
The presidents visited the Technopark in Tashkent and got acquainted with the existing potential for industrial cooperation.
Today, the dialogue between the heads of state continued in Samarkand. The presidents and their wives got acquainted with the historical and architectural masterpieces of the ancient city.
After the end of the visit, President Yun Sok Yol and his wife were escorted by President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and his wife at the airport.

Uzbekistan is a country of youth. According to statistical data, about 60% of Uzbekistan's population is under the age of 30. Thus, over 18 million residents of Uzbekistan are young people, and by 2040 this number could reach 25 million. This creates unique opportunities and specific challenges for the state in terms of providing education, employment, and social integration for the youth. On February 21 of this year, a Presidential Decree approved the State Program for the implementation of the "Uzbekistan - 2030" Strategy in the Year of Support for Youth and Business. It outlines a number of tasks aimed at addressing the problems faced by young people and realizing their potential.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has prioritized creating favorable conditions to ensure the rights and interests of the younger generation. This includes providing them with access to quality education, meaningful employment opportunities, and avenues to realize their talents and abilities. Significant efforts have been made in this direction as part of state policy.

A vivid confirmation of this is the adoption and consistent implementation of over 100 legislative acts concerning this sphere within a short period. The inclusion of specific articles on the rights and interests of the younger generation in the updated Constitution of Uzbekistan undoubtedly opens new opportunities for further strengthening the legal framework and elevating practical work in this area to a new level.

During the past period, a completely new vertical management system for working with youth has been established.

In all neighborhoods (mahallas) of the country, youth leaders are active. Thanks to this system, over 100 different opportunities have been created for youth within the neighborhoods.

A system called the "Youth Notebook" has been established, through which over 1.1 million young people have received assistance across
25 different areas totaling 1.3 trillion UZS. Specifically, tens of thousands of students from low-income families have had their tuition fees covered under fee-based contracts.

The number of higher educational institutions in the country has almost tripled, reaching 199, and enrollment has increased from 9 to
38 percent. This expansion opens up extensive opportunities for youth to acquire modern knowledge and professions.

In the country, 210 youth industrial and entrepreneurial zones have been established, with 2,500 projects implemented amounting to 4 trillion UZS. As a result, the number of young entrepreneurs has doubled, surpassing 200,000.

In recent years, more than 750 young people who make a significant contribution to the prosperity of the Motherland have received state awards.

It is heartening that the youth of the country are effectively utilizing the opportunities provided and inspiring with their achievements in various fields.

For further effective implementation of State youth policy in Uzbekistan, it is necessary to continue effective reforms to create a solid organizational, legal and institutional framework.

First of all, work will continue to develop new constitutional norms on the rights of young people in existing legislation.

At the same time, in the coming period, special attention will be paid to the qualitative execution of tasks defined in the State Program on the implementation of the Strategy "Uzbekistan - 2030" in the Year of Support for Youth and Business.

Thus, every region, ministry and department has begun to introduce a new approach to work with young people. The improvement of scientific and analytical work on the study of youth problems and the training of promising personnel is considered relevant.

Today, rapid measures are being taken to increase the number of young people learning foreign languages under the "Ibrat Farzandlari" project
to 1 million, and the number of young readers under the "Mutolaa" program up to 1.5 million. Additional infrastructure is being built in the regions for this purpose. At the same time, special attention should be paid to the creation of broader conditions for the meaningful organization of leisure activities and the realization of young people's talents and abilities.

Thus, the systemic reforms carried out in Uzbekistan have led to significant achievements in the field of education and the spiritual, intellectual, physical and moral development of young people. The increase in the number of educational institutions, the improvement in the quality of education, the active participation of young people in scientific and cultural events, and the implementation of social projects - all this is evidence of positive changes and the strengthening of the foundations for the harmonious development of the younger generation.

Bekzod Jurabayev,
Chief scientific researcher of the Institute of Legislation and Legal Policy under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Chairman of the Council of Young Scientists of the Institute

The first meeting of the Termez Dialogue on Connectivity between Central and South Asia, dedicated to the theme "Building a Common Space for Peace, Friendship, and Prosperity," will be held in Termez on May 19-21, 2025. This meeting is expected to be attended by representatives of the foreign policy agencies of Central and South Asian countries, which are becoming the focus of world politics, as well as representatives of specialized UN organizations, international and regional organizations such as the CIS, the SCO, the CICA, and leading specialists and experts in relevant fields.

Central and South Asia have long been connected by reliable trade routes and have served as a bridge between the countries of the Middle East, Europe, and China. The peoples of this region share historical and civilizational commonalities, having repeatedly existed within common state associations in the past, as well as within a single political, economic, and humanitarian space. Over many centuries, relations between the two regions have been strengthened by numerous migration flows, intensive trade exchanges, rapid dissemination of scientific ideas, and cultural cross-pollination.

As a result of the spread of Zoroastrianism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam in these regions, unique ethnocultural associations formed, which left a deep mark on human history.

The incorporation of the peoples of this region into such states as the Bactrian and Kushan kingdoms, the Turkic Khaganate, Khorasan and Transoxiana, the Ghaznavid, Timurid, and Mughal empires had a great influence on their historical, cultural, and political development. Common customs, traditions, lifestyles, and holidays were formed; spiritual values were created in Persian, Turkish, and Arabic. Medieval cities such as Bukhara, Samarkand, Termez, Balkh, Herat, Ghazni, Agra, and Delhi were shared centers of science.

The mutual competition of colonial powers negatively affected the traditional ties, trade, and cultural exchange of the peoples of Central and South Asia. Trade and economic relations in South Asia changed, and local supply systems, main industries, and economies became dependent on supplies from outside the region. This development weakened the traditional cultural ties between South Asia and Central Asia.

Today, jointly addressing existing problems that threaten peace and stability in the region is one of the important factors in the social, cultural, and economic development of these countries. Therefore, the renewal of their close historical ties is becoming increasingly relevant. Taking the above into account, the Termez Dialogue on the Connectivity between Central and South Asia is being organized.

The location chosen for the dialogue is connected to the geostrategic position of this city, situated at the crossroads of Central and South Asia, or at the intersection of interregional connectivity routes. Termez has long been a center of trade, economy, and crafts, serving as a link between the vast regions of Central and South Asia. Therefore, from a geopolitical perspective, the city can be considered a "natural bridge" connecting Central and South Asia, the most suitable place for bringing the peoples of the region closer together through its historical location and cultural heritage.

Currently, the countries of Central and South Asia represent a territory of global significance, with a population of more than 2 billion people and great educational potential. The region is experiencing high demographic growth, with the majority of the population consisting of young people, and there are enormous opportunities for realizing intellectual potential. While the population of South Asian countries is about 2 billion people, the number of people living in Central Asia is about 82 million, and the population of Central Asian states is growing year by year. The countries exhibit a "disparity in literacy levels." For example, among the leading countries of Central Asia, the average adult literacy rate is 99 percent, while in South Asia it is 74 percent.

One of the pressing problems is the uneven quality of education, insufficient coverage of preschool and higher education, especially among girls and residents of remote areas. In South Asia, youth unemployment remains high, and in some countries, this figure exceeds 40 percent. At the same time, the employment rate of women is one of the lowest in the world. In addition, the infrastructure of educational systems is not sufficiently developed, and the shortage of specialists and teacher qualifications also creates a number of problems.

In this context, cooperation in the field of science and education is becoming increasingly relevant. Scientific cooperation in the context of digitalization and geopolitical instability will allow for maintaining dialogue between academic circles. At the same time, limited academic mobility and weak coordination between scientific communities significantly hinder the development of states' potential in science, innovation, and technology.

In this regard, it is necessary to encourage joint research and innovation work, the organization of scientific and educational internships, experience exchange programs, the development of startups, and the holding of competitions.

The adoption of a joint program of academic and research exchanges under the auspices of UNESCO is becoming relevant. It is also necessary to launch an online platform between universities and research structures of the countries of Central and South Asia.

This will contribute to the creation of a sustainable regional network of scientific diplomacy, the formation of a common agenda in the field of education and technology, and the emergence of a unified scientific space.

The above-mentioned steps will serve as a powerful tool for the development of scientific diplomacy, which will facilitate interaction between the countries of the two regions.

From this point of view, the integration of intellectual resources in Central and South Asia, strengthening cooperation in the field of education, and developing cooperation platforms to improve the quality of education are important for the future of the region. The transformation of demographic potential into human capital is the main condition for sustainable development, economic growth, and a worthy place in global competition for both regions. In this regard, the development of education as one of the priority areas of regional cooperation, the development of partnerships for the exchange of experience and training of personnel in various countries is most relevant.

The countries of the region, in particular India and other South Asian countries, have in recent decades been occupying an increasingly prominent place in the world community in the field of science, technology, and innovation. Information technology, aeronautics, pharmaceutical production, and artificial intelligence are rapidly developing in India. For example, in 2014, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) made history as the first Asian country to launch an artificial satellite into Mars orbit. In 2023, as part of the "Chandrayaan-3" project, a successful landing on the Moon's surface was achieved. These results demonstrate the country's independent and innovative capabilities in the scientific field.

In the field of information technology, India has become one of the world's largest IT outsourcing centers. Cities such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai have become major hubs for Google, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, Oracle, and many other multinational corporations. Every year, millions of specialists in technical and technological fields are trained in the country. Among India's higher education institutions are prestigious scientific centers like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Science (IISc), which also rank highly in global ratings. It's worth noting that scientific research in artificial intelligence, bioengineering, quantum computing, and cybersecurity is widespread in the country.

Pakistan is also making progress in science, especially in nuclear energy and military technologies. Centers such as COMSATS University and the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS) play a crucial role in the country's scientific development. In particular, government programs are being implemented to strengthen international cooperation in IT and cybersecurity.

In Bangladesh, alongside the textile and light industry, information technology is developing rapidly. Based on the "Digital Bangladesh" strategy, the country has widely implemented e-government, digital, and distance learning services. In 2021, over 120 IT parks were established in Bangladesh, demonstrating the country's commitment to digitalizing its economy.

Afghanistan's scientific and technological potential remains limited, and issues related to political stability are hindering its development. Nevertheless, some universities and educational institutions in the country, particularly Kabul University, participate in scientific projects with the support of various international educational organizations.

In this context, developing a joint strategy for digital connectivity between Central and South Asia is crucial. Adopting such a document will create significant opportunities for stimulating trade and investment, improving access to education and healthcare, strengthening regional cooperation, and increasing competitiveness on the global stage.

Coordinating efforts of Central and South Asian countries to widely implement the digital economy will contribute to improving digitalization processes in all spheres of life. Moreover, this will advance the implementation of the SDG initiative to ensure safe Internet access for the population and will open up great opportunities for education and medical services.

Overall, deepening digital connectivity between Central and South Asia will bring significant economic and social benefits to both regions, create a solid foundation for expanding trade, economic, energy, and transport links, and enhance the competitiveness of the region's states on the global arena.

In general, the Termez Dialogue is an important initiative that contributes to elevating the interaction between Central and South Asian states to a new level in the process of today's geopolitical and civilizational transformations. This dialogue, particularly in the fields of education, science, and new technologies, will stimulate, consolidate, and expand the intellectual potential of the two regions. This is because in both regions, the majority of the population consists of young people who show high interest in education, are capable of scientific research, and quickly adapt to digital technologies.

Today, countries such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have achieved world-class successes in information technology, biotechnology, nuclear physics, medicine, and artificial intelligence, while Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and other Central Asian countries are also taking active measures to update scientific infrastructure, expand international cooperation, and implement modern educational projects. The Termez Dialogue is a unique opportunity to combine this experience and achievements, establish student and scholar exchanges, create joint research centers, and develop startups and innovative platforms in IT and STEM.

This dialogue has great historical significance in ensuring regional stability, creating a foundation for peace, progress, and intellectual development through science and education. The states of Central and South Asia have the potential to become the leading intellectual center in the entire Eurasian space based on the principle of mutual trust and shared future, integration in the spheres of education and science.

Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan in the field of ecology and environmental protection is reaching a new level, encompassing both bilateral initiatives and active engagement on international platforms. Humanity finally discovered that poisoning the planet might have consequences. Remarkable timing.

The foundation of this partnership remains the Agreement on Cooperation in the Field of Environmental Protection, signed on September 11, 2008, in Baku. Today, the two sides continue to work on a new intergovernmental agreement intended to make cooperation more systematic and strategic. At the same time, regular exchanges of experience and information are taking place through international conferences, meetings, and platforms, including the structures of the Commonwealth of Independent States.

Contacts within climate forums have gained particular importance. During COP28, representatives of the two countries discussed the transition toward a sustainable and resource-efficient economy within the Economic Cooperation Organization region. The dialogue later continued on the sidelines of the United Nations Environment Assembly in Nairobi, where the parties focused on preparations for COP29, held in Baku.

COP29 itself became an important milestone in deepening regional cooperation. During the conference, the first meeting of environmental ministers of the Organization of Turkic States was held, resulting in the signing of a corresponding declaration. In addition, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan joined the regional “Glaciers to Farms” program, implemented with the support of the Asian Development Bank and the Green Climate Fund. The program aims to mobilize $3.5 billion to improve the resilience of agriculture and infrastructure in the face of glacier melting.

Educational cooperation also remains an important area of partnership. Young environmental activists from Azerbaijan participated in international environmental camps in Samarkand organized with the involvement of the International Public Foundation “Zamin.”

An active dialogue is also being conducted at the level of профильных ведомств. In 2024, an Azerbaijani delegation visited the National Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Ecology and Climate Change during the first Uzbek-Azerbaijani Media Forum, where the parties exchanged experience in environmental communication and countering disinformation. Because apparently even climate change now has to survive internet arguments.

Future prospects for cooperation include several promising areas. These include exchanging experience in air quality monitoring and the development of green urbanization, expanding scientific research through the Central Asian University for Environmental and Climate Change Studies (Green University), and cooperation in the management of protected natural areas.

The parties are also considering the establishment of a joint working group and the completion of the new intergovernmental agreement. Additionally, they propose intensifying cooperation within international environmental conventions, including Azerbaijan’s accession to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals.

Special attention is also being given to upcoming international events. Azerbaijan will participate in the 8th Assembly of the Global Environment Facility and will present its National Pavilion at the Eco Expo Central Asia 2026 exhibition, which will take place in Samarkand.

Thus, Uzbek-Azerbaijani cooperation in the environmental sphere demonstrates steady momentum and covers a broad range of areas, from climate policy and scientific research to youth initiatives and international cooperation.

Throughout the year, the business climate remained in positive territory, with an annual average of 57 points, indicating an overall favorable business environment in Uzbekistan.

The Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) presented the results of its 2025 business climate analysis, based on monthly nationwide surveys of entrepreneurs. Using the collected data, a composite Business Climate Indicator was constructed, reflecting assessments of current business conditions as well as expectations for the next three months.

Dynamics of the Composite Business Climate in Uzbekistan

According to the results of 2025, the annual average value of the Composite Business Climate Index in Uzbekistan amounted to 57 points on a scale from −100 to +100, which is 7% higher than in 2024. The growth was primarily driven by improved assessments of current conditions. The annual average value of the Current Business Conditions Index increased by 22% and reached 47 points.

At the same time, the Expectations Index declined slightly from 68 to 66 points, while remaining at a relatively high level. This reflects a certain degree of caution among enterprises regarding future prospects amid an overall improvement in perceptions of current conditions.

Over the year, the dynamics of the Composite Business Climate Index were uneven. The highest value was recorded in June at 63 points, while the lowest level was observed in January at 52 points. Fluctuations during the year reflected both seasonal factors and businesses’ adaptation to rapidly changing economic conditions.

By the end of the year, a high level of optimism among enterprises persisted. In December, the Business Climate Index stood at 58 points, increasing by 2 points compared to the end of 2024.

Sectoral and Regional Dynamics of the Business Climate Index

From a sectoral perspective, improvements in the business climate were recorded across most sectors of the economy in 2025. In the services sector, the index reached 58 points, representing an increase of 14.7%. In construction, the index stood at 57 points, up by 14.2%, while in industry it reached 54 points, increasing by 6.8%.

In agriculture, the index remained virtually unchanged at 56 points, indicating the persistence of previously established assessments of business conditions in this sector.

From a regional perspective, the annual average Business Climate Index increased compared to the previous year in 11 regions of the republic. In seven regions, the annual average value of the index reached 57 points.

The most pronounced improvement in business climate conditions was observed in Kashkadarya region, where the index increased by 27%, followed by Jizzakh region with a 23% increase and Khorezm region with a 17% increase. In the Republic of Karakalpakstan, growth amounted to 19%.

In Samarkand region, despite a slight decline in the index, the annual average business climate remained in positive territory at 51 points. In Tashkent region, the indicator remained unchanged at 44 points.

Business Expectations Regarding Price Dynamics and Demand

In terms of business expectations, inflationary and market assessments remained moderate in 2025. On average, 23% of companies expected price increases in the near term, which is 2 percentage points lower than in 2024.

During the year, the share of entrepreneurs expecting price increases fluctuated within the range of 18–27%, reaching a peak in April and the lowest levels in September and December. The highest price expectations were observed among enterprises in agriculture and construction, reflecting sector-specific cost structures as well as the impact of seasonal and weather-related factors.

At the same time, assessments of market conditions remained relatively strong. On average, 66% of entrepreneurs expected an increase in demand for goods and services, while 57% of companies planned to expand their workforce. Overall, the results indicate the persistence of positive expectations regarding business activity and employment, alongside more restrained assessments of price dynamics.

Assessments of Demand and Employment

The Employment Index in 2025 amounted to 43 points, corresponding to a 12% increase. The most significant growth was recorded in the services sector at 14%, construction at 17%, industry at 7%, and agriculture at 11%. Throughout the year, employment dynamics remained moderate, with sustained demand for labor.

The Demand Index also showed improvement. Its annual average value reached 48 points, representing an increase of 13%. The largest contribution came from the services sector, where the index increased by 19%, while in construction, industry, and agriculture the Demand Index rose by 6% in each sector. During the year, the index remained relatively stable, with stronger positive assessments in the second half of 2025.

Barriers to Entrepreneurial Activity

Over the course of the year, a gradual reduction in barriers to doing business was observed. According to the results, 60% of entrepreneurs reported that they did not face difficulties in conducting business, which is 6% higher than in 2024.

In industry, problems related to electricity supply decreased by 4%, high tax rates by 3%, and access to financing by 3%.

At the same time, in agriculture and construction, financing-related barriers declined significantly, by 7% and 5%, respectively.

Despite the overall reduction in complaints, financing remained the main obstacle cited by entrepreneurs in construction and industry, reported by 11% of respondents in each sector.

Overall, sectoral data indicate an increase in the share of entrepreneurs who do not face significant constraints, as well as a decline in the importance of financial and infrastructure barriers.

The Business Climate Change Indicator is constructed based on the methodology of the Ifo Institute (Germany). As part of the surveys, company managers assess current and expected changes in business activity based on developments in production, demand, prices, and other indicators.

CERR Sector for the Study of Competitiveness of Economic Sectors and Investment Activity
tel.: (78) 150 02 02 (441)

CERR Public Relations and Media Sector
tel.: (78) 150 02 02 (417)

The Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan (ISRS) Eldor Aripov, commented to Dunyo IA on President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s Address to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan:

- The Address of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan goes far beyond the scope of a routine annual political speech in its significance. It constitutes a strategic policy document that marks the country’s transition to a qualitatively new stage of development — the institutional consolidation of reforms and the formation of a sustainable growth model oriented toward the long term.

Over the past decade, Uzbekistan’s economy has undergone an accelerated process of qualitative and systemic transformation. While in the mid-2010s the country’s nominal gross domestic product stood at approximately USD 60–65 billion, it has now reached USD 145 billion, as noted in the President’s Address. In practical terms, this represents more than a twofold expansion of the nation’s economic scale over an unprecedentedly short historical period.

In recent years, average annual economic growth has consistently remained at around six percent. This reflects not only the preservation of positive momentum, but also the economy’s capacity for sustained growth amid external shocks — including the pandemic, disruptions to raw material supplies and logistics chains, and global inflationary pressures.

Sectoral indicators corroborate this assessment. Over the past decade, industrial output has more than doubled, whereas in the early 2010s industry played a largely auxiliary role relative to the commodity-based and agricultural sectors. Today, mechanical engineering, the electrical equipment industry, and the chemical sector make a stable contribution to the economy, while the share of processing and manufacturing activities in the GDP structure has already exceeded 80 percent.

The dynamics of the agricultural sector are equally indicative. Whereas ten years ago production volumes remained the primary benchmark, today — as emphasized in the President’s Address — the priority has shifted toward processing and the export of finished products. The expansion of fruit and vegetable processing and the growth of food exports are shaping a more resilient development model, reducing the economy’s dependence on fluctuations in harvest yields and prices.

Investment dynamics also reflect qualitative change. In recent years, investment in fixed capital has been growing at a rapid pace and has reached levels well above historical averages, whereas in the early 2010s this indicator was significantly lower. At the same time, the composition of investment has shifted: while previously it was concentrated primarily in infrastructure and state-led projects, a substantial share is now being directed toward industry, energy, transport, and digital solutions. As a result, investment is beginning to support not only current growth, but also the formation of the country’s future productive base.

External trade dynamics further reinforce this picture. Over the past decade, Uzbekistan’s export revenues have more than doubled: whereas in the mid-2010s exports of goods and services stood at approximately USD 12–13 billion, in recent years they have consistently exceeded USD 24–25 billion. Crucially, this growth has been driven not only by favorable price conditions, but also by changes in the structure of export supplies.

This transformation is most clearly visible in the manufacturing and processing industries. Over the past decade, exports of textile products have increased more than threefold — from less than $1 billion to around $3 billion and above — reflecting a shift from raw-material exports to finished goods. A similar trajectory can be observed in the electrical engineering, chemical, and food industries, where export volumes have risen several times over as a result of expanded production chains and access to new markets.

Macroeconomic balance warrants particular attention. Economic and investment growth has been accompanied by the maintenance of a controlled level of public debt and overall financial stability. This is especially significant, as recent experience shows that rapid growth without adequate balance often leads to the accumulation of constraints on future development. The Address underscores that Uzbekistan has deliberately chosen a more cautious, yet strategically advantageous, development trajectory.

A comparison of developments over the past decade leads to a key strategic conclusion: the republic has reached a stage at which further progress is determined less by the sheer size of the economy than by its quality. This is why the President’s Address places central emphasis on boosting labor productivity, advancing technological modernization, and deepening industrialization. The achievements to date are viewed as the foundation upon which the economy of the coming decade is to be built.

Compared with the starting point a decade ago, the country’s economy has become larger, more diversified, and more resilient. These changes provide a long-term strategic foundation for improving citizens’ well-being and strengthening Uzbekistan’s position in both regional and global markets.

Another notable aspect of the President’s Address is its clear illustration of the feedback loop between the state and its citizens, particularly in terms of aligning ongoing reforms with the everyday needs of the population.

An analysis of the Address indicates that its priorities fully align with the issues consistently highlighted in public opinion surveys and citizen appeals over recent years. At the center of attention are employment, income levels, access to social services, the quality of education and healthcare, as well as fairness and efficiency in public governance.

Whereas in 2017–2018 poverty in Uzbekistan was measured in double digits (around 35 percent), by 2024 it had fallen to 8.9 percent.

The projected reduction to 5.8 percent in 2025 demonstrates that the country is not only approaching the previously set target — reducing poverty to six percent by the end of the year — but is actually surpassing it.

Moreover, the Address highlights a strategic goal of eradicating extreme poverty by 2030, making the fight against poverty a central pillar of the country’s long-term policy framework. This achievement has been made possible through the effective implementation of a series of social programs and reforms aimed at sustainably increasing household incomes, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening social protection.

For a significant portion of the population, particularly young people and residents of regional areas, access to stable employment and reliable sources of income is the key determinant of social well-being. Support for small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the development of industry and infrastructure highlighted in the Address, directly responds to these expectations. International organizations, including UNDP and the Asian Development Bank, note in their studies that such a focus on employment is among the most effective tools for social stabilization.

Equally important as an indicator that the state listens to its citizens is its focus on the quality of basic services. In the Address, education, healthcare, and workforce development are presented as strategic priorities rather than secondary concerns. This aligns with the public’s expressed demand for improvements in human capital and social mobility.

The section on public governance also warrants special attention. In recent years, one of the most frequent requests from citizens has been the reduction of bureaucracy and the enhancement of transparency and accountability among officials.

Taken together, the content of the Address suggests that the state demonstrates the ability to listen to its citizens and translate public expectations into elements of strategic policy.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev plays a particularly important role in this process as the key architect of these reforms. International financial and analytical institutions have repeatedly emphasized that political leadership is a decisive factor in the successful implementation of comprehensive reforms in countries with transitioning economies.

In Uzbekistan’s case, consistency, political will, and a focus on long-term results have made it possible to synchronize macroeconomic stabilization, social policy, and institutional reforms within a single strategic framework. The President’s Address serves both as a concentrated expression of this strategy and as a tool for its further deepening.

Taken together, the President’s Address to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan constitutes not merely an agenda for the next stage of reforms, but a strategic framework for the country’s future development. Supported by empirical data and assessments from leading international organizations, it strengthens domestic consensus and enhances the confidence of the international community. Its key significance lies precisely in its role as a document that defines the sustainability of reforms and the country’s long-term competitiveness.

Dunyo IA

There are about a thousand manufacturing enterprises operating in the electrical engineering sector of Uzbekistan, most of them small, producing over two thousand types of products. Almost all enterprises in the industry are privately owned. The total number of people employed in the industry exceeds 35,000.

The 76 largest enterprises in the industry, which produce over 90% of all electrical engineering products, are members of the Association of Electrical Engineering Manufacturers (UzEltechSanoat). Of these, 18 enterprises manufacture electrical wires and cables, 27 enterprises manufacture household appliances, and 32 enterprises manufacture power transformers and other electrical products.

The Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026 aimed to increase industrial production by 1.4 times by 2026, including doubling the production of high value-added products in the electrical engineering industry and tripling exports.

The Uzbekistan-2030 Strategy, adopted in September 2023, will ensure the achievement of all the goals outlined in the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan. It also sets the task of increasing copper processing in the electrical engineering industry to 300,000 tons per year and raising the localization level of manufactured products to an average of 65%.

Therefore, Uzbekistan pays special attention to the development of technologically advanced industries, including electrical engineering, and provides state support.

Over the past seven years, the President of Uzbekistan has adopted several legislative acts providing customs and tax benefits to enterprises in the electrical engineering industry, as well as subsidies to cover transportation and other expenses.

Specifically, until January 1, 2027, enterprises in the electrical engineering industry have received a 50% reduction in profit and property taxes. Additionally, benefits for exemption from customs duties on imported raw materials, components, and equipment for their own production needs have been extended.

Furthermore, several programs have been approved for the implementation of investment projects in the electrical engineering industry, focusing on technical and technological upgrades of existing facilities and the creation of new production lines.

Due to these measures, over the past 7 years, the volume of attracted investments in the industry has amounted to $935 million, of which about $400 million are foreign direct investments.

Additionally, more than 260 new investment projects worth over $800 million have been launched, including 50 cable production projects worth $120 million, 115 household appliance projects worth $380 million, 40 power equipment projects worth $60 million, and 58 other electrical engineering projects worth $250 million.

As a result, over 13,000 new jobs have been created, bringing the total number of jobs in the industry to 35,000.

As a result of implementing investment projects for modernizing and creating new production facilities, the production of new types of electrical engineering products has been mastered, particularly household appliances (washing machines, electric stoves, vacuum cleaners, hoods, water heaters, new models of refrigerators and washing machines under the Samsung brand, SMART HD TVs, built-in hobs and gas stoves, etc.); industrial air conditioners; new types of electrical cables (high and low voltage, used in solar energy systems, household appliances, as well as self-supporting insulated cables); dry transformers; electronics (monoblocks, SIM cards, electronic boards for household appliances); smart meters for electricity, gas, and water consumption; parts for solar panels and renewable energy stations; elevators and escalators; water pumps, etc.

Overall, from 2017 to 2023, the production volume of the electrical engineering industry increased 7.1 times to $1.98 billion, including a 5.5-fold increase in wires, cables, and copper products to $792 million; an 8.2-fold increase in household appliances to $633 million; and a 9.3-fold increase in power and technical equipment to $567 million.

The contribution of the electrical engineering industry to the development of the economy is also growing, and although the share of the industry's value added in the economy is still less than 1%, it has grown 1.5 times in recent years.

The growth in the production of electrical engineering products has contributed to an increase in export volumes, which have grown 5.5 times to $1047 million over the specified period, including a 4-fold increase in wires, cables, and copper products to $576 million; a more than 10-fold increase in household appliances to $214 million; and a 12-fold increase in power equipment and other products to $257 million.

It should be noted that the significant growth (more than 10 times) in the export of household appliances occurred due to the creation of new production facilities in Uzbekistan by Artel Electronics. In particular, the export volume of refrigerators increased 15 times to $58 million, televisions 6 times to $52 million, electric stoves 4.5 times to $40 million, washing machines 5 times to $20 million, air conditioners 4 times to $15 million, etc.

Moreover, not only the geography of export countries has expanded, but also the range of electrical engineering products supplied to foreign markets. Currently, about 200 types of various electrical engineering products are exported to almost 70 countries. The number of exporting enterprises in the electrical engineering industry has grown to 100.

In January 2024, a Presidential Decree "On Additional Measures for Further Increasing the Production and Export Potential of the Electrical Engineering Industry" was adopted, outlining target indicators for the industry's development in the coming years.

Specifically, in 2024, the plan is to increase the volume of production by almost 30% to $2.6 billion, exports by 43% to $1.5 billion, and the volume of copper processing into finished products to 140,000 tons. In 2025, the goal is to increase production to $3.2 billion, exports to $2.0 billion, and copper processing to 160,000 tons.

To achieve these targets, the Program for Creating New Production Capacities and Diversifying Production in the Electrical Engineering Industry in 2024-2026 and Beyond has been approved. The program aims to implement a total of 294 investment projects worth over $4 billion in the coming years.

In conclusion, it should be noted that the necessary conditions have been created in Uzbekistan for enterprises in the electrical engineering industry to increase production volumes and expand the supply of their products to both domestic and foreign markets.

Therefore, goals have been set to increase exports not only to traditional but also to new markets. In particular, there are plans to increase the export of electrical engineering products to European markets, considering the GSP+ preferential trade regime granted to Uzbekistan, as well as to South Asian and Middle Eastern countries.

Yuri Kutbitdinov,

chief Research Officer of the Center for Economic Research and Reforms under the Administration of the President of the

Republic of Uzbekistan

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia Antonella Bassani on September 30.

The sides considered topical issues of further expansion of strategic cooperation with the World Bank Group and support of this leading international financial institution to the ongoing reform program in New Uzbekistan.

At the beginning of the meeting, Vice President Antonella Bassani conveyed to the head of our state sincere greetings and best wishes of World Bank President Ajay Bangui.

During the conversation, the current high level and fruitful nature of bilateral cooperation were noted with deep satisfaction.

In recent years, our country has become one of the largest partners of the Bank - the portfolio of projects has increased several times and now exceeds 12 billion dollars.

The World Bank supports the implementation of important reforms aimed at ensuring the sustainability of economic and social sectors. Since July this year, the Bank's regional office has been operating in Tashkent.

Such areas as poverty reduction, transformation of state-owned enterprises and banks, decarbonization, support for WTO accession and others have been identified as priorities for further expansion of the partnership.

Special attention was paid to the programs of urbanization and integrated development of regions, modernization of energy and irrigation infrastructure, support to the private sector.

There was also an exchange of views on the promotion of regional projects.

In the context of today’s global development, the competitiveness of states is determined прежде всего by their intellectual potential, modern education systems, scientific advancement, and innovative capabilities. In this regard, education, science, and innovation are gaining strategic importance in elevating cooperation among Turkic states to a fundamentally new level. These areas contribute not only to economic growth and human capital development, but also to strengthening spiritual closeness among peoples, creating a common civilizational space, and building a solid foundation for future progress.

In recent years, thanks to the efforts of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, an entirely new atmosphere has emerged in relations with the Turkic states. In particular, large-scale projects implemented in the fields of higher education, science, and innovation are gradually becoming a practical mechanism for Turkic integration. Today, hundreds of inter-university agreements, joint educational programs, academic exchanges, and research projects are being implemented with Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan.

Cooperation with Kazakhstan is among the most active areas in this regard. Currently, more than 280 agreements and memorandums are in force between higher education institutions of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. In recent years, student exchange between the two countries has increased significantly. In particular, during the 2025/2026 academic year, the number of Kazakh students studying at universities in Uzbekistan exceeded 1,000. At the same time, more than 5,500 Uzbek students are pursuing higher education in Kazakhstan.

The practice of opening branch campuses of universities has also marked a new stage in Turkic educational integration. The branch of South Kazakhstan University in Chirchiq and the branch of the National Research University “TIIAME” in Almaty are vivid examples of such important initiatives. These projects contribute not only to training qualified personnel, but also to developing common educational standards.

Cooperation with Kyrgyzstan is also developing consistently. In recent years, more than 90 agreements and memorandums have been signed between the universities of the two countries. In 2023, a forum of rectors was held in Osh, and in 2024 another forum took place in Samarkand, resulting in dozens of new agreements. These forums are becoming important platforms for shaping a common higher education space among the Turkic states.

Uzbekistan’s allocation of state grants for Kyrgyz youth is also of particular importance. Since 2021, 100 state grants have been allocated annually for citizens of Kyrgyzstan. This contributes to strengthening the integration of human capital through education.

In cooperation with Azerbaijan, cultural and educational initiatives occupy a special place. Universities of the two countries are implementing joint projects in philology, literature, arts, tourism, oil and gas studies, and medicine.

The operation of the Fuzuli Center for Azerbaijani Culture, Education and Research at the Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature, as well as the establishment of the Alisher Navoi Scientific Center in Baku, are vivid examples of the spiritual closeness between the two peoples. Such centers contribute to the in-depth study of the common literary and cultural heritage of the Turkic nations.

It should be emphasized that the joint study and promotion of the legacy of great ancestors plays an important role in strengthening the spiritual foundations of Turkic integration. In particular, the legacy of Alisher Navoi serves as a powerful spiritual bridge uniting Turkic peoples. On February 13, 2026, an international conference titled “Alisher Navoi — the Great Representative of Turkic Literature” was held at the TURKSOY headquarters in Ankara to mark the 585th anniversary of the poet’s birth. The event brought together representatives of science, literature, and diplomacy from across the Turkic world, as well as prominent scholars and cultural figures.

During the conference, TURKSOY Secretary General Sultan Raev described Navoi as the common conscience and civilizational symbol of the Turkic world. Discussions focused on researching Navoi’s works using modern scientific approaches, studying manuscripts, and expanding publishing and translation activities. In particular, the full publication of the “Khamsa” in Azerbaijani and the translation of “Mahbub ul-Qulub” into several Turkic languages demonstrate that Navoi’s legacy has become a shared spiritual treasure of the Turkic world.

As part of the conference, international scientific projects implemented by the Tashkent State University of Uzbek Language and Literature were presented. In addition, the awarding of TURKSOY medals to several Uzbek scholars and cultural figures for their contributions to Turkic culture and literature became a high recognition of spiritual cooperation.

Turkology occupies a special place in the scientific and cultural cooperation among Turkic states. The International Conference on Turkological Studies dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress, held on April 8, 2025, at Baku Slavic University, demonstrated that cooperation in this sphere is reaching a new level. The event brought together representatives of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, leaders of universities from Türkiye, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, prominent scholars, and a delegation from Namangan State University. Discussions focused on promising directions in Turkological research, the study of shared historical and cultural heritage, and the expansion of international academic cooperation.

Humanitarian and scientific cooperation with Turkmenistan is also developing harmoniously. Joint research, olympiads, international conferences, and scientific projects are regularly organized between Uzbek and Turkmen scholars. In particular, the launch of a joint scientific project competition and the financing of four joint research initiatives starting from 2024 are of great significance.

Cooperation with Türkiye has become one of the largest and most institutionalized dimensions of Turkic integration. In recent years, more than 200 cooperation agreements have been signed between higher education institutions of Uzbekistan and Türkiye. Dozens of new projects have also been launched within the framework of rectors’ forums between the two countries.

Joint educational programs, technoparks, and projects in engineering and high technologies are being implemented with leading Turkish universities. In particular, training courses on drone technologies organized in cooperation with the company TUSAŞ, the establishment of an innovative educational and industrial technopark based on the “Yildiz” technopark concept, and the activities of the branch campus of the Turkish University of Economics and Technology in Tashkent are creating a new model of Turkic innovation cooperation.

Today, the integration of Turkic states is no longer limited to cultural proximity or historical commonality. It is gaining new substance through innovation, startups, digital technologies, artificial intelligence, engineering, and scientific research. Joint scientific project competitions conducted between Uzbekistan and Türkiye in cooperation with TÜBİTAK are a practical manifestation of this process.

At the same time, initiatives are being advanced to strengthen academic mobility among Turkic states, ensure mutual recognition of diplomas and qualifications, create unified educational platforms, and establish scientific journals and research funds. Most importantly, these processes are driven by the idea of investing in human capital, educating younger generations on the basis of shared values, and ensuring intellectual unity. In the 21st century, the fate of nations is determined not by oil or gas, but by knowledge, technology, and innovation.

In this sense, cooperation in education, science, and innovation is becoming the most sustainable, promising, and powerful driver of integration among Turkic states. This process not only brings Turkic peoples closer together, but also contributes to the emergence of a new intellectual and technological center across the Eurasian region.

One of the important factors elevating Turkic integration to a new stage is the strengthening of institutional cooperation among higher education institutions. Uzbekistan’s chairmanship of the Union of Turkic Universities — TÜRKÜNİB — during 2025–2026, an organization uniting more than 100 universities, clearly demonstrates the country’s active and initiative-driven policy in this area.

On October 15, 2025, the 8th General Assembly of TÜRKÜNİB was held at Tashkent International University within the framework of the “Days of Turkic Science and Innovation.” The event was attended by the Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States, Kubanychbek Omuraliev, President of the Turkic Academy Shahin Mustafayev, representatives of the OTS and TURKSOY leadership, university rectors, scholars, and representatives of international organizations. Around 200 delegates from 69 universities of Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Hungary, Northern Cyprus, and Uzbekistan participated in the Assembly.

During the event, the results of the “TurkBarometer” project were presented, and socio-political processes and integration trends within the Turkic states were discussed. Meetings held in the U2U — “University-to-University” — format served as a practical platform for establishing new inter-university partnerships.

Today, one of the important institutional platforms contributing to the formation of a unified academic space among Turkic states is the International University of Turkic States established in Tashkent. The university operates with the aim of deepening cooperation in education, science, and innovation among Turkic countries, training modern specialists, and developing joint scientific research.

The university’s academic programs, governance model, and educational processes are being developed based on the principles of mutual integration among Turkic states. In addition, the institution serves as an important platform for expanding academic exchange among faculty members and students, as well as for implementing joint educational programs and scientific projects.

Integration among Turkic states is no longer confined solely to education and science. Youth policy, student exchange, and sports diplomacy are also becoming important components of this process. In particular, at the 3rd Turkic States Universiade held in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, in September 2025, the Uzbek delegation participated with 80 student-athletes across seven sports disciplines. These competitions contribute to strengthening friendship and solidarity among the youth of Turkic countries, fostering a healthy competitive environment, and developing a shared youth space.

Today, cooperation among Turkic states in the fields of education, science, and innovation is becoming one of the key drivers of common development. Relations strengthened through universities, scientific centers, academic platforms, and youth initiatives are helping to unite the intellectual potential of the Turkic world.

Importantly, these processes are not limited to current interests or short-term projects. Their significance lies in the creation of a common space of knowledge and development for future generations. Convergence in science, innovation, and modern technologies plays a crucial role in enhancing the international competitiveness of Turkic states.

Today, the intellectual cooperation developing among Turkic states is bringing not only universities and research institutions closer together, but also the peoples themselves. This creates an opportunity to build a new model of modern development based on shared history and spiritual heritage.

In this regard, education, science, and innovation are becoming the strongest spiritual and intellectual bridge connecting the common future of the Turkic states.

Nazokat ABDUQUNDUZOVA, Head of the Information Service
Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation

At the end of Q1 2026, the republic’s exports of goods and services demonstrated a steady growth trend.

During the reporting period, exports totaled $5.8 bn, increasing by 26%, or $1.2 bn, compared to the same period last year.

Export growth was driven primarily by the expansion of shipments of higher value-added products and raw materials. In particular, exports of natural uranium amounted to $402.6 mn, increasing by $196 mn, or 95%. Exports of non-ferrous metals reached $248.7 mn, up by $137 mn, with a twofold increase recorded. Exports of oil and gas products totaled $160 mn, rising by $20 mn, or 15%.

Positive dynamics were also observed in manufacturing industries. Textile exports reached $731 mn, increasing by $110 mn, or 18%. Exports of construction materials totaled $304 mn, up by $130 mn, or 75%. Exports of jewelry products reached $214 mn, increasing by $75 mn, or 54%.

Sustained growth was also recorded in agricultural and food exports. Fruit and vegetable exports reached $320 mn, increasing by $34 mn, or 12%. Food product exports totaled $282 mn, increasing by $47 mn, or 120%.

Strong growth was also achieved in services. During the reporting period, services exports amounted to $2.2 bn, increasing by 35%, or $573 mn, compared to last year.

Regional export activity also expanded. In Andijan region, exports increased by $83 mn, or 74%; in Khorezm region by $27 mn, or 66%; in Navoi region by $15 mn, or 42%; in Fergana region by $54 mn, or 42%; in Namangan region by $43 mn, or 31%; in Syrdarya region by $17 mn, or 29%; and in Samarkand region by $54 mn, or 28%. In Tashkent city, exports grew by $178 mn, or 42%.

Export growth was recorded in 147 districts and cities across the republic.

The geography of exports continues to expand. In January–March of the current year, previously non-exported goods worth $162 mn across more than 140 product categories were supplied for the first time to 86 countries, including the United States, Austria, Belarus, Poland, South Korea, Iran, Kazakhstan, and Afghanistan.

In particular, exports to Hong Kong included jewelry, solar panels, semiconductors, brass products, and spare parts worth $42.1 mn. Exports to Afghanistan included truck cranes, aluminum products, oilcake, metal fittings, pipes, and other goods worth $19.8 mn. Exports to the United States included carpets, rug fabrics, electrical equipment, solar panels, and other goods worth $9.4 mn.

In addition, exports amounted to $2.3 mn to Poland, $3.8 mn to Kazakhstan, $3.2 mn to Belarus, $1.7 mn to Austria, $1.1 mn to the United Kingdom, $1.1 mn to Iran, and $649.3 thousand to South Korea.

As a result of efforts to involve new businesses in export activity, 702 new business entities joined export operations during the reporting period. Their exports totaled $270 mn. As a result, the total number of exporting enterprises reached 4 thousand.

Within the national export support system, financial and organizational assistance to exporting enterprises continued. Through the Trade Promotion Fund, 405 exporters received financial support totaling 32.3 bn soums, while these companies exported goods worth $98.9 mn. Every $1 of state support generated $38.9 in exports.

In addition, the Light Industry Agency provided financial assistance totaling 8.8 bn soums to 212 exporters.

The achieved results confirm the effectiveness of the measures being implemented in the country to expand export potential, diversify the product range, and strengthen competitiveness in foreign markets.

Center for Economic Research and Reforms Media Sector

Economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkiye is carried out within the framework of signed bilateral agreements and established intergovernmental mechanisms, and is supported by regular high-level contacts. In addition, Uzbekistan and Turkiye cooperate within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States.

In 2023, the President of the Republic of Turkiye paid an official visit to Uzbekistan, during which the Uzbekistan–Turkiye Business Forum was held. As a result of the visit, a substantial package of intergovernmental and commercial agreements was signed, covering key sectors of the economy with a total value of around $10 bn.

In June 2024, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan paid an official visit to Turkiye. During the visit, a meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council was held, resulting in the signing of an important package of agreements, protocols, and roadmaps aimed at further expanding trade, economic, and investment cooperation.

Mutual trade between Uzbekistan and Turkiye operates under a most-favoured-nation regime, and a Preferential Trade Agreement has also been signed.

Turkiye is among Uzbekistan’s leading trade and economic partners, ranking 4th in terms of total trade turnover and imports, and 5th in terms of Uzbekistan’s exports.

In 2025, Turkiye’s share in Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover amounted to 3.7%, including 3.4% of exports and 4.0% of imports.

Dynamics of Bilateral Trade

Over the period 2017–2025, bilateral trade between the two countries increased by 1.9 times and reached $3.0 bn by the end of 2025. Exports to Turkiye grew by 1.3 times to $1.1 bn, while imports from Turkiye increased by 2.8 times to $1.9 bn.

At the same time, annual growth rates of imports from Turkiye consistently exceeded export growth rates, resulting in a widening trade deficit to –$751.6 mn.

Uzbekistan’s exports to Turkiye in 2025 comprised the following categories: industrial goods (copper products, yarn, etc.) amounting to $511.4 mn (45%); miscellaneous manufactured articles (mainly precious metal products) at $152.3 mn (13.4%); chemical products (polymers, fertilizers, etc.) at $124.3 mn (11%); machinery and transport equipment at $80.1 mn (7%); food products (dried fruits and nuts) at $63.0 mn (5.5%); petroleum products (gasoline, gas oil) at $36.6 mn (3.2%); non-food raw materials at $18.0 mn (1.6%); as well as services, primarily transport services, at $149.9 mn (13.2%).

Imports from Turkiye in 2025 were dominated by the following categories: machinery and transport equipment at $674.6 mn (35.7%); chemical products at $408.9 mn (21.7%); industrial goods at $390.2 mn (20.7%); miscellaneous manufactured articles at $136.2 mn (7.2%); food products at $94.6 mn (5.0%); petroleum products (lubricating oils) at $30.2 mn (1.6%); non-food raw materials at $30.1 mn (1.6%); and services at $117.4 mn (6.2%).

Investment Cooperation

The two countries have signed an Agreement on the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments. As of 1 January 2026, 2,137 enterprises with Turkish capital operate in Uzbekistan, accounting for 11.8% of all active enterprises with foreign investment. Of these, 496 are joint ventures and 1,641 are wholly owned by Turkish investors.

Total direct investments and loans from Turkiye to Uzbekistan’s economy over 2017–2025 amounted to $9.0 bn, including $2.6 bn attracted in 2025 alone.

Turkish capital continues to expand its presence in Uzbekistan, primarily in priority sectors such as energy, manufacturing, agriculture, and construction.

In particular, investments in the power sector are linked to the construction by the Turkish company Cengiz Enerji of a 240 MW thermal power plant in Tashkent Region and a similar 220 MW plant in Syrdarya Region.

Prospective Areas of Economic Cooperation

An analysis of Turkiye’s import structure indicates opportunities to increase Uzbekistan’s exports to Turkiye, particularly in product categories that Uzbekistan already supplies to global markets. These include polymers (Turkiye’s imports amounting to $2.8 bn), copper wire ($1.4 bn), fertilizers ($1.1 bn), legumes ($1.0 bn), zinc ($857 mn), copper tubes ($360 mn), textile products, particularly T-shirts and undershirts ($373 mn), knitted fabrics ($158 mn) and other manufactured goods.

Promising areas for cooperative engagement between Uzbekistan and Turkiye include manufacturing industries – especially textiles, electrical engineering, and machinery – chemical industry, agriculture, healthcare, education, as well as projects aimed at preserving and promoting cultural heritage. There are also prospects for joint infrastructure projects, including the construction of water treatment facilities.

In agriculture, particular attention is paid to the selection and cultivation of domestic pistachio varieties and the development of pistachio farming. Agreements have been reached on implementing joint research projects focused on cultivation techniques and adaptation.

A significant emphasis is placed on expanding cooperation in education, including the involvement of Turkish lecturers and specialized professionals in educational initiatives in Uzbekistan, experience exchange, and human capital development.

At the same time, areas of cooperation in healthcare are being discussed, focusing on the development of primary healthcare, the introduction of medical insurance systems, sector digitalization, improvement of service quality, and modernization of the pharmaceutical industry.

Tourism has been identified as a separate and promising area of cooperation. Currently, 12 hotels in Uzbekistan operate with the participation of Turkish partners, along with more than 100 joint restaurants, reflecting sustained interest by Turkish businesses in the country’s tourism sector.

In 2025–2026, with the support of Turkish investors, 11 hotel projects with a total value of $167.9 mn are planned in Bukhara, Samarkand, Jizzakh, Fergana, and Tashkent regions.

Transport connectivity is also expanding significantly. The number of weekly flights between Uzbekistan and Turkiye has increased from 62 in 2023 to 106 at present, creating additional conditions for the growth of mutual tourist flows and the expansion of travel routes.

A key initiative in tourism is the “Million + Million” programme, aimed at attracting at least one million tourists to each country. The programme envisages a further increase in flight frequency and the expansion of tourist routes between Uzbekistan and Turkiye.

Conclusion

In recent years, there has been steady growth in bilateral trade, investment volumes, the number of enterprises with Turkish capital, and the breadth of economic cooperation.

At the same time, Uzbekistan’s exports to Turkiye are still dominated by raw materials and intermediate goods used in Turkiye’s industrial sectors. Against this background, the key task for the coming years is to move from a “raw materials–finished goods” trade model toward the formation of joint production chains with higher value added.

In this context, Turkiye can play a role for Uzbekistan not only as one of its principal trading partners, but also as a contributor to Uzbekistan’s industrial development and to the expansion of its participation in global value chains.

Edvard Romanov
Center for Economic Research and Reforms