TASHKENT — Uzbekistan has unveiled its updated Uzbekistan–2030 Strategy, marking a major step in the country’s journey toward national reform and development. Officials emphasise that implementing reform requires responsibility, consistency, institutional discipline, and public legitimacy. The government has revised the strategy following extensive public consultations, ensuring that citizens’ voices are reflected in the results-based policy framework. Aligned with international standards and designed to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the strategy positions Uzbekistan as an active participant in the global development agenda.

A defining feature of the strategy is its emphasis on measurable implementation. Authorities have established 100 goals to be assessed annually through 2030, each with designated institutions, mechanisms, and financing sources. This approach creates a governance model centred on accountability and transparency. International organisations and development partners will also be able to monitor progress, access reports, and contribute expertise — a move officials say will further enhance transparency and attract external support.

The first major priority of the strategy is to create opportunities for every person to realise their potential, with 44 goals linked to human development. These include targets for expanding access to education, healthcare, employment, and social protection. In education, the government aims to boost pre-school coverage to 80 per cent, achieve universal participation in school-preparation groups, and modernise schools with electronic boards and new-generation textbooks. Teachers’ salaries are set to double, and 500,000 education staff will receive ongoing professional development. Higher and vocational education goals include expanding access, improving graduate employability, and increasing the number of internationally accredited university programs to 200.

Officials have tied human capital development to advances in science and innovation. The strategy calls for raising spending on science to 1 per cent of GDP, increasing the number of research and innovation projects, and propelling Uzbekistan into the top 60 of the Global Innovation Index.

Healthcare reforms aim to increase average life expectancy to 78 years, with health expenditure projected to rise to 5 per cent of GDP. Priorities include reducing premature deaths from major diseases, improving maternal and child health, and expanding digital healthcare services. Broader social goals include increasing women’s representation in leadership and civil service, eliminating extreme poverty, reducing unemployment to 4 per cent, and training 2 million citizens in new skills and foreign languages.

Youth policy is another central pillar, with goals to offer free foreign language instruction to 7 million young people, train 3 million in modern professions using AI tools, and employ 300,000 in the IT sector. The strategy also seeks to boost participation in sports, culture, and the arts nationwide.

The second major priority is sustainable economic growth. The government has set targets to increase GDP from $145 billion to over $240 billion by 2030, and GDP per capita from $3,800 to $5,800. Other economic targets include keeping inflation at 5 per cent, public debt below 50 per cent of GDP, and the budget deficit under 3 per cent.

Plans for industry focus on diversification and value addition, with aims to boost high-tech output, raise car production to 1 million units (including 200,000 electric vehicles), create 1.8 million industrial jobs, and increase industrial value added to $60 billion. The government expects over 400 strategic projects worth $150 billion in foreign investment. Financial reforms will include bank privatisation, expanded credit, and the development of Islamic finance.

The strategy also emphasises the green economy. Officials want renewable energy to account for 54 per cent of total generation and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35 per cent. Transport and logistics improvements will include expanding transit freight, repairing or building roads, and modernising airports. In agriculture, the focus is on boosting productivity and exports, with a target of $10 billion in agricultural exports.

Environmental protection and water saving are also key goals. Uzbekistan plans to improve water-use efficiency by 25 per cent, fully meter drinking water, and expand water-saving technology in agriculture. Other environmental targets include increasing urban greenery, expanding forested land, and creating new green spaces in the Aral Sea region and deserts. The government also aims to improve biodiversity, waste management, air quality, and climate resilience.

Strengthening the rule of law and public service is another core priority. The strategy aims to improve local governance, expand electronic public services, and reduce emergency response times. Legislative reforms will focus on increasing the number of directly applicable laws and reducing the regulatory burden. At the same time, additional measures will promote meritocracy, judicial reform, human rights, anti-corruption, and public oversight.

The strategy also calls for advancing a safe and peace-loving state by promoting an active foreign policy, regional cooperation, support for Uzbeks abroad, and better-managed labour migration. Targets include increasing the number of visa-free destinations for Uzbek citizens, boosting trade turnover with neighbours, expanding diplomatic representation abroad, and advancing WTO accession. Other goals include defence modernisation, disaster preparedness, and strengthening public trust and interethnic harmony.

A formal monitoring system will track implementation through a digital platform, using colour-coded performance categories to flag progress or delays. The Development Strategy Centre will play a key role in monitoring strategic indicators and recommending improvements.

The Uzbekistan–2030 Strategy stands out for combining ambition with a structured, results-oriented approach. Rather than isolated initiatives, the government is pursuing a coordinated, accountable, and long-term transformation agenda. The strategy is expected to guide Uzbekistan’s development and reform efforts well into the next decade.

By Eldor Tulyakov,

Executive Director, Development Strategy Centre

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Secretary-General of UN Tourism (World Tourism Organization) Zurab Pololikashvili, who is in our country on a working visit, in Samarkand on June 15.

The sides discussed issues related to further expansion of Uzbekistan's multifaceted cooperation with this specialized UN institution.

The course of implementation of agreements reached and initiatives put forward at the 25th session of the organization's General Assembly, which was held in Samarkand in October 2023, has been reviewed. The UN General Assembly's adoption of the resolution initiated by Uzbekistan on declaring 2027 the International Year of Sustainable and Resilient Tourism was highly appreciated.

It was noted with deep satisfaction that the organization is a strategic partner of Uzbekistan in the development of modern tourist infrastructure and popularization of tourist destination to our country.

It was noted the importance of continuing joint efforts to implement programs and projects aimed at creating comfortable conditions and facilities for tourists, development of pilgrimage and cultural and cognitive tourism, including domestic tourism.

Special attention was paid to the issues of training qualified personnel in the field of hospitality and service with the effective use of opportunities of the International Academy of Tourism operating in Samarkand.

In order to popularize the tourist destination in Uzbekistan, practical interaction will be expanded in the issues of supporting the participation of domestic tour operators in major international tourism fairs and exhibitions.

In January, growth in the business climate was mainly driven by an outpacing increase in the expectations component. The agricultural sector and services became the key drivers of business confidence.

The Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) presented the results of its business climate analysis based on monthly surveys of entrepreneurs across the republic. Based on the collected data, a composite Business Climate Indicator was formed, reflecting both current assessments of business conditions and expectations for the next 3 months.

Dynamics of Uzbekistan’s Composite Business Climate

In January of the current year, Uzbekistan’s composite Business Climate Index stood at 64 points (on a scale from −100 to +100), which is 23% higher than the level of 2025.

The improvement in the business climate was primarily driven by stronger assessments of the current business situation, which increased by 28%.

An additional contribution came from improved optimism regarding short-term business prospects. In particular, business expectations rose by 20%.

According to the survey, 22% of enterprises increased their number of employees. At the same time, 71% of respondents expect demand for their products to grow over the next three months, compared to about 60% in the same period last year.

The share of enterprises forecasting an increase in employment in the coming quarter rose to 65%, up from 58% a year earlier.

Sectoral Dynamics of the Business Climate Index

In sectoral terms, an improvement in the business climate compared to last year was observed in construction, agriculture, and services.

In agriculture, the Business Climate Index increased by 62% year-on-year and reached 77 points, compared to 48 points in January 2025.

Growth was mainly supported by a significant improvement in assessments of current conditions and more favorable expectations. The current situation indicator in the sector increased 2.7 times from 27 to 72 points, while expectations grew by 17% to reach 82 points.

44% of entrepreneurs assessed the condition of their business in the sector as “good,” compared to 39% a year earlier. Growth in demand for products over the past three months was reported by 46% of enterprises versus 39% in January last year. Expectations for further demand growth in the near term remain high at 71%, compared to 68% a year earlier.

In the services sector, the business climate increased by 25% compared to January last year, reaching 65 points versus 52 points a year earlier.

Growth was driven by a gradual improvement in current business conditions. Current assessments in services rose by 18% to 52 points. At the same time, a more pronounced increase was observed in the expectations component, which grew by 32% to 79 points, indicating a substantial strengthening of companies’ confidence in short-term prospects.

70% of entrepreneurs expect demand for their services to grow over the next three months, compared to 58% in January 2025. The share of enterprises expecting to increase employment in the coming quarter amounted to 61%, up from 54% a year earlier.

In the construction sector, the business climate increased by 13% to 61 points, compared to 54 points a year earlier. The current situation indicator improved by 43% to 57 points. Expectations were formed at the level of 66 points, showing a decline of 4%.

38% of respondents reported that business conditions in construction had improved over the past three months, compared to 35% a year earlier. The share of enterprises reporting workforce growth rose to 38% from 22% a year earlier. Expectations of demand growth over the next three months were expressed by 77% of entrepreneurs, compared to 61% in January last year.

In industry, the business climate slightly declined by 5% compared to last year, while remaining at a sufficiently high level of 54 points.

At the same time, optimism among industrial enterprises remains steadily high. In January, expectations increased by 10%, reaching 78 points, indicating a continued positive outlook regarding development prospects.

According to the survey, the share of respondents reporting an improvement in business conditions over the past three months reached 32%, compared to 30% a year earlier. Demand growth over the same period was noted by 38% of industrial enterprises versus 36% in January last year. Meanwhile, employment expansion plans strengthened — 69% of entrepreneurs expect to increase their workforce in the next three months, compared to 62% a year earlier.

Barriers to Entrepreneurial Activity

According to the survey, more than half (57%) of entrepreneurs see no barriers in their activities. Among the problems cited, the most frequent are taxation (11%), utilities (9%), and access to credit (8%).

CERR Sector for the Study of Sectoral Competitiveness and Investment Activity

Tel: (78) 150 02 02 (441)

CERR Public Relations and Media Sector

Tel: (78) 150 02 02 (417)

Over the past eight years, relations between Uzbekistan and Türkiye have undergone a profound qualitative transformation, evolving from traditionally friendly ties into a full-fledged strategic partnership with a strong economic, investment, and industrial dimension. While the period prior to 2017 was largely characterized by inertia, the launch of large-scale reforms in Uzbekistan marked a decisive shift in bilateral relations toward practical cooperation focused on trade, investment, and joint manufacturing.

A key role in this transformation has been played by the political will and personal engagement of the leaders of both countries - President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Regular high-level dialogue has provided Uzbek-Turkish relations with stability, strategic coherence, and a long-term economic horizon.

Political Foundations as a Driver of Economic Convergence

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in 1992; however, a turning point came in October 2017 with the signing of the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership in Ankara. This step laid a solid institutional foundation for the rapid expansion of trade, economic, and investment cooperation.

In 2018, the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council was established in Tashkent under the co-chairmanship of the two presidents. Its meetings in 2020, 2022, and 2024 became key platforms for aligning priorities in trade, investment, industry, transport, and interregional cooperation. Over time, political dialogue has evolved from declarative engagement into a practical instrument supporting concrete economic initiatives and project-based decisions.

Trade: Scale, Structure and Institutional Incentives

Türkiye is firmly among Uzbekistan’s largest trading partners. In 2020, bilateral trade turnover amounted to USD 2.1 billion, reaching USD 3.02 billion by the end of 2025.

Uzbekistan’s exports to Türkiye are predominantly industrial in nature, comprising non-ferrous metals and metal products, textiles, services, plastics, and food products. Imports from Türkiye consist mainly of mechanical and electrical equipment, chemical products, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and metal structures, reflecting Türkiye’s role as a key source of industrial technologies and equipment.

A significant qualitative step forward was the signing of the Preferential Trade Agreement in 2022, which entered into force in 2023. In 2025, the parties began expanding the list of goods covered by preferential treatment, creating additional incentives for trade diversification and deeper industrial cooperation.

Investment Cooperation: From Presence to Systemic Engagement

Investment cooperation is one of the most dynamically developing areas of bilateral relations. In 2024, the volume of Turkish investments utilized in Uzbekistan reached USD 2.2 billion, while in January-November 2025 it increased to USD 3.2 billion. A total of 2,137 enterprises with Turkish capital operate in Uzbekistan, including 496 joint ventures and 1,641 wholly Turkish-owned companies.

These enterprises are active in textiles and furniture manufacturing, construction, trade, transport, logistics, and services. Importantly, a substantial share of them is export-oriented, strengthening Uzbekistan’s integration into regional and global value chains.

Industrial Cooperation: Transition to Joint Manufacturing

In recent years, Uzbek–Turkish cooperation has increasingly shifted from traditional trade toward industrial partnership. Turkish companies are actively involved in establishing production facilities across Uzbekistan’s regions, introducing modern technologies, management standards, and export-oriented business models.

Regular meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, accompanied by business forums, result in detailed roadmaps comprising dozens of measures covering industry, energy, logistics, and regional projects. This approach forms a solid foundation for sustainable industrial partnership.

Interregional Cooperation: Localized Economic Engagement

Active interregional interaction has become an essential element of the new partnership model. In 2024, targeted visits by delegations from the Fergana, Khorezm, Namangan, Navoi, Samarkand, and Jizzakh regions, as well as the city of Tashkent, were held to various regions of Türkiye.

This format enables a shift from framework agreements to concrete investment projects, creates direct B2B and B2G communication channels, and contributes to a more decentralized and resilient architecture of cooperation.

Transport and Logistics as Pillars of Trade and Investment

The expansion of trade and industrial cooperation naturally increases the importance of transport and logistics interaction. Türkiye is viewed by Uzbekistan as a key logistical gateway to European and Mediterranean markets, while Uzbekistan is becoming an important hub for Türkiye’s access to Central Asia.

The development of rail and road transport, along with intensive air connectivity - up to 97 regular flights per week across eight routes - enhances business mobility, supports investment activity, and strengthens economic integration between the two countries.

Prospective Areas of Cooperation: Converging Interests

The established economic core of Uzbek–Turkish relations provides a basis for a new phase of cooperation, shifting from quantitative growth to deeper structural and technological integration.

Localization and joint development of industrial production remain key convergence points. Uzbekistan offers industrial zones, resources, and a growing domestic market, while Türkiye contributes technology, design, managerial expertise, and access to external markets.

The textile and light industry is evolving toward the production of finished branded goods and contract manufacturing for international retail chains. Mechanical engineering and electrical equipment sectors are creating prerequisites for the establishment of assembly and production facilities. The agro-industrial complex offers opportunities for deep processing and joint exports of food products.

A separate strategic direction is the joint entry into third-country markets, where the combination of Uzbekistan’s production potential and Türkiye’s trade and logistics infrastructure creates substantial competitive advantages.

Overall, over the past eight years Uzbekistan and Türkiye have built a resilient model of strategic partnership based on trade, investment, industrial cooperation, interregional engagement, and transport connectivity. Trade turnover exceeding USD 3 billion, multi-billion-dollar investments, and thousands of joint enterprises testify to the maturity and long-term nature of bilateral relations.

Mashrab Mamirov,

Just a few years ago, the concept of the “smart city” was largely seen as a futuristic idea associated with digital control panels, autonomous transport, widespread sensor networks, and automated urban services.

Today, the smart city has become a practical tool for addressing modern urban challenges. This trend can be seen across countries facing rapid population growth, increasing migration to major metropolitan areas, overstretched infrastructure, and mounting climate risks.

In this context, smart technologies are no longer viewed as an end in themselves. Instead, they are increasingly used to improve the resilience and efficiency of key urban systems, including transport, energy, public utilities, waste management, and environmental monitoring. This allows cities to adapt more effectively to emerging challenges, reduce pressure on infrastructure, and improve the overall quality of urban life.

At the same time, smart city development is gaining strategic economic importance by creating long-term drivers of growth. Such projects attract substantial investment by combining digital infrastructure, innovative services, and principles of sustainable development.

The growth of smart urban areas also contributes to job creation in high-tech sectors ranging from IT and telecommunications to engineering and urban data analytics. In parallel, the modernization of urban infrastructure improves resource management and raises overall living standards.

Against this backdrop, the approaches taken by Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan deserve particular attention. Rather than simply following a global trend, both countries are developing their own models of smart urbanization — ones in which technology serves people and supports the creation of more comfortable, sustainable, and future-oriented cities.

In this regard, Uzbekistan offers a particularly notable example, as urbanization is becoming an increasingly pressing issue amid steady demographic growth. The country’s population is growing by approximately 1.8–2% annually, placing additional pressure on transport systems, housing, infrastructure, and social services.

Under these conditions, the government is focusing not on limited modernization of the existing urban environment, but on the creation of new growth centers. The Smart City concept adopted in 2019, followed by the Digital Uzbekistan – 2030 strategy, established the institutional foundation for the large-scale digital transformation of urban infrastructure and public services.

One of the most visible outcomes of this strategy is the New Tashkent project, whose significance extends far beyond that of a traditional urban development initiative.

In essence, the project aims to create a new economic, administrative, and investment hub capable of easing pressure on the existing capital while introducing a fundamentally new model of urban organization based on smart city principles and sustainable development.

In this case, the concept of the “15-minute city,” green infrastructure, digital governance, public transport prioritization, and energy efficiency are not treated as separate elements, but as components of a broader strategy aimed at expanding economic space and improving the quality of the urban environment.

Against this backdrop, New Tashkent illustrates how urbanization can serve not only as a response to infrastructure pressures, but also as a tool for creating new centers of economic growth capable of redistributing business activity and shaping the long-term development of the urban agglomeration.

This is also why the project has a distinctly international dimension. Its implementation involves Singapore’s Meinhardt Group, the UK-based Foster + Partners and Cross Works, the Dutch firm OMA, Japan’s Sojitz Corporation, South Korea’s Incheon International Airport Corporation, and other international partners. This reflects Uzbekistan’s efforts to integrate global expertise into its national development model.

Azerbaijan, in turn, has chosen a different approach to the development of smart urban spaces. Rather than building entirely new cities from scratch, the focus has been placed on the restoration and comprehensive modernization of recently reintegrated territories alongside the introduction of modern urban planning solutions and Smart City technologies.

This approach goes beyond the physical reconstruction of infrastructure and involves rethinking urban development through digital technologies, sustainable planning, and green standards.

Following the reintegration of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur, Azerbaijan faced not only the challenge of rebuilding damaged territories, but also the task of their socio-economic reintegration into the country’s broader development framework. In this context, the concepts of Smart City and Smart Village have gained particular strategic importance, serving as the foundation for a new model of territorial planning and governance.

Within this model, technology is no longer viewed solely as a modernization tool, but as an instrument for comprehensive territorial development. It supports the rapid restoration of basic services, creates conditions for the return of displaced populations, stimulates economic activity, and enables more effective management of spatial development.

One of the clearest examples is Aghali — Azerbaijan’s first “smart village.” The project demonstrates how digital infrastructure, renewable energy, smart agriculture, and modern public services can become part of a new model of post-conflict reconstruction.

The village covers around 119 hectares and includes more than 200 modern eco-friendly homes equipped with smart systems, as well as social and public infrastructure facilities, including a school, kindergarten, medical center, ASAN xidmət and DOST service centers, small business facilities, and administrative buildings.

A similar development model can also be seen in Fizuli, Aghdam, Shusha, Khojaly, and several other settlements, where new infrastructure systems are being developed based on environmental sustainability, transport accessibility, and digital management of urban and rural services.

Like Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan also relies heavily on international cooperation as a key driver of modernization. Huawei is involved in implementing digital solutions, the World Bank provides analytical and advisory support, while Japan is expanding cooperation in smart infrastructure and green energy, contributing to the adoption of advanced technological practices.

Uzbekistan is building a new urban environment from the ground up, while Azerbaijan is developing its model against the backdrop of a complex historical and territorial transformation. At first glance, these are very different starting points. Yet this is precisely what makes the similarities in their approaches particularly notable. In both cases, digital infrastructure is not treated as an additional layer built onto the city, but as a core element shaping its future development from the outset.

At the same time, neither country is pursuing a model based on copying existing examples. The experiences of Singapore, Dubai, and Qatar are being studied, but not replicated. Instead, both states are developing their own models tailored to local demographic, geographic, historical, and social realities. This reflects not a limitation of choice, but the maturity of their strategic approach.

Against the backdrop of accelerating urbanization across Central Asia and the South Caucasus, the experiences of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are increasingly emerging as a kind of laboratory for new development models. While their strategies differ in tools and priorities, both are driven by the same objective: building a new generation of cities that combine technology, sustainability, adaptability, and a people-centered approach.

Abbosbek Mashrapov

Senior Research Fellow, International Institute for Central Asia

On November 18, the first session of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan after the elections was held in Tashkent.

It was attended by President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The session was opened by Chairman of the Central Election Commission Zayniddin Nizamkhodzhaev.

The National Anthem of the Republic of Uzbekistan was played.

Temporary Secretariat of the first session, Counting Commission and temporary group on control over the use of electronic vote counting system were elected. The agenda was approved. The CEC Chairman presented information on the results of the elections to the Legislative Chamber.

On the proposal of the Council of Representatives of Political Parties, deputies elected Nuriddin Ismoilov to the post of Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis by secret ballot.

Then the chairmanship of the session passed to the Speaker. Deputy Speakers were elected. The factions of five political parties were registered. Ten committees of the Legislative Chamber were established in accordance with their agreed proposals.

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev addressed the session.

At the beginning of his speech, the Head of State congratulated the deputies on their election, emphasizing that this is the embodiment of high trust and respect of our people.

It was emphasized that the current parliamentary elections have entered the history as being the first ones held in accordance with the updated Constitution. This process was conducted for the first time under a mixed electoral system.

As a result of the elections, 150 deputies were elected to the Legislative Chamber. Among them were 57 women and 11 young people under 35 years of age. Overall, the composition of the lower house was renewed by almost 60 percent.

The activities of the Chamber over the past five years were discussed. During this period, the Constitution has been updated and more than 130 new laws have been adopted, which is 1.5 times more than in the previous period.

The President also drew attention to the issues that remained out of parliamentary attention. For example, the share of laws with direct action and clear enforcement mechanisms remains low. Parliamentary and deputy control is still not effective enough. The activity of deputies in constituencies is mostly limited to organizing meetings, answering complaints and questions.

The Head of State outlined his vision of the new tasks ahead of the Legislative Chamber.

In particular, it was proposed to create public councils under each committee with the participation of representatives of civil society to strengthen the dialogue.

It is important to establish not only control and requirements in the work of parliamentary committees, but also close cooperation with ministries. It is also necessary to strengthen party and fractional discipline.

The President emphasized that lawmaking, primarily, should be aimed at solving urgent problems of society, and put forward a number of legislative initiatives. Among them are the construction of modern residential buildings replacing outdated ones, guaranteeing the protection of citizens' funds allocated for housing construction, support for private education and investors in the energy sector, introduction of compulsory health insurance, creation of a legal framework for franchising, capital market and startups, and relations arising in the field of artificial intelligence.

In order to boost the opposition, it was proposed to increase the number of guaranteed rights of the parliamentary opposition from 3 to 6, including giving it the positions of one committee chairman and two deputy committee chairmen, as well as additional rights to submit questions within the framework of the “government hour” and parliamentary inquiries.

Particular attention was paid to the need to transition to a system of broad, high-quality parliamentary control. In particular, in accordance with the updated Constitution, the control over the execution of the State Budget is the exclusive competence of the Legislative Chamber. In this regard, it is necessary to strengthen the work of the Chamber in this direction, including the introduction of the practice of submitting all reports of the Government on the State Budget to the Chamber only together with the audit report provided for by the Budget Code.

- A deputy is a servant of the people, a model for all, a person with a high level of political culture and knowledge, who sincerely loves his homeland. Our people, all of us, above all rely on you to strengthen peace, mutual understanding and harmony in the family, mahalla and society, to educate the youth in the spirit of patriotism, to defend the interests of Uzbekistan in the international arena, - said Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

Heads of political party factions and deputies addressed the session. The President supported their views, urged the deputies to work harder and be closer to the people.

- The voice of a deputy is the voice of the people. If you consider every issue concerning the fate of the country and first of all see our hardworking, generous and noble people in front of you, if you act thinking not only about today, but also about peace and happiness of future generations, then our people will be satisfied with you, - emphasized the Head of State.

The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis adopted resolutions on the agenda.

Cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic in the field of tourism has been developing actively in recent years and is gaining a stable and sustainable character.

Both countries view tourism not only as an economic sector but also as an important tool for cultural exchange, strengthening international relations, and fostering mutual understanding between peoples. Within the framework of bilateral cooperation, joint tourism forums and presentations of tourism potential are regularly organized, and collaboration is being developed between tourism companies and educational institutions. Participation in international exhibitions also plays a significant role, where Uzbekistan promotes its historical and cultural routes, while the Czech Republic presents European travel destinations.

One of the reasons for the growing interest of Czech citizens in Uzbekistan is its rich historical heritage. Cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva—important centers of the ancient Great Silk Road—attract tourists with their unique architecture and the atmosphere of Eastern civilization. For Czech travelers, these destinations are of particular value, as they offer an opportunity to experience history preserved in a living form, distinct from the familiar European cultural landscape.

Another important factor is the exotic and authentic character of Uzbekistan. Tourists from the Czech Republic highlight the unique atmosphere of oriental bazaars, the diversity of national cuisine, the richness of traditions, and the hospitality of local people. All of this creates a truly unique travel experience that is difficult to find in more mass tourism destinations.

A significant role in the growth of tourist flows is also played by the development of Uzbekistan’s tourism infrastructure. A visa-free regime has been introduced for citizens of the Czech Republic, hotels are being modernized, and the transport network is expanding, including domestic flights and high-speed rail connections between major cities. All this makes travel more comfortable and accessible for European tourists, including Czech citizens.

Cultural and educational exchange remains another important area of cooperation. Czechs show interest in Uzbek crafts such as carpet weaving, ceramics, and national embroidery, as well as traditional music and dance. In addition, academic and business exchanges are developing, including participation in conferences, educational programs, and business initiatives, further strengthening ties between the two countries.

A significant milestone in bilateral cooperation was the workshop “Beginning of the Czech Odyssey. Popular Spa Resorts of the Czech Republic,” held in Tashkent with the participation of representatives of government agencies, the diplomatic corps, leading Czech spa resorts and hotels, as well as Uzbek tour operators.

During the event, new tourism products of the Czech Republic were presented, and prospects for expanding cooperation in spa, medical, and wellness tourism were discussed. Special attention was paid to building long-term partnerships between tourism companies of both countries.

Additional momentum to cooperation was provided by the visit of a working group of the Tourism Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Prague, where negotiations were held with representatives of the Czech Ministry for Regional Development, relevant associations, and leading tourism companies. The meetings focused on expanding tourism exchange, developing institutional cooperation, and implementing joint tourism initiatives.

Despite positive dynamics, certain infrastructural limitations remain, in particular the absence of direct and more convenient air connections between cities of the two countries, which somewhat constrains further growth in tourist exchanges.

In the future, cooperation between Uzbekistan and the Czech Republic in tourism is expected to expand further. Growth in tourist flows, development of new routes, improved transport accessibility, and implementation of joint cultural and sustainable tourism projects are anticipated. All of this will contribute to strengthening bilateral relations and make Uzbekistan an even more attractive destination for tourists from the Czech Republic.

In October, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, will pay a state visit to the Kingdom of Belgium, during which important decisions are expected to be made that will mark a qualitatively new stage in relations between Uzbekistan and the European Union. In particular, the visit will feature the signing of the Agreement on Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has been actively shaping a new framework of engagement with Europe – a key pillar of stability amid current geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainty. The ties between Uzbekistan and European countries continue to grow, and the areas of cooperation are diversifying, supported by the ongoing reforms in Uzbekistan.

Building a New Chapter in Relations

After gaining independence, Uzbekistan’s relations with the European Union developed dynamically. A Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Uzbekistan and the European Commission was signed in 1992, followed by the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1994. The foundation of cooperation was laid by the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) signed in June 1996 and entering into force in 1999. However, at a certain stage, cooperation faced difficulties due to the insufficient pace of democratic reforms in Uzbekistan.

With the election of Shavkat Mirziyoyev as President, the situation changed dramatically. As early as 2017, during his visit to Tashkent, Stefano Manservisi, Director-General for International Cooperation and Development of the European Commission, stated that “the EU regards Uzbekistan as a strategic partner.” The sweeping democratic and economic reforms launched in Uzbekistan helped resolve within a short period many issues that had long remained unsolved. Forced labor was completely eradicated, and reforms in the cotton sector enabled the country to abandon raw cotton exports altogether.

As reforms advanced, the legal and institutional framework of relations with Europe expanded rapidly. While previously Uzbekistan and the EU granted each other most-favored-nation treatment under the PCA, in April 2021 the EU granted Uzbekistan GSP+ beneficiary status, and in 2022 the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (EPCA) was initialed.

Along with internal transformation, Uzbekistan’s foreign policy architecture also changed. Priority was given to closer cooperation with neighboring Central Asian states, as well as the active expansion of ties with European countries – a vector that has strengthened steadily in recent years.

Just in the past year, Uzbekistan established strategic partnership relations with France, Italy, and Slovakia, while discussions on expanding strategic cooperation with Hungary continued. President Mirziyoyev also visited Slovenia, and Italy’s Prime Minister and Bulgaria’s President visited Uzbekistan.

A milestone in strengthening relations between Uzbekistan and Europe, and between Europe and Central Asia as a whole – was the first EU–Central Asia Summit, held in Samarkand in April 2025 under the chairmanship of Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Uzbekistan presented a broad range of initiatives to create a new model of regional cooperation between Central Asia and Europe, including: a multilateral agreement on investment protection and promotion; the launch of a Central Asia–EU Joint Chamber of Commerce; the adoption of a regional support program for SMEs and women’s entrepreneurship; the establishment of an investment platform to promote regional projects in green energy, innovation, transport, infrastructure, and agriculture.

The Samarkand Summit was highly productive. A Joint Declaration was adopted, establishing a strategic partnership between the two regions in trade, transport, energy, digital connectivity, and water management. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU had prepared a €12 billion investment package for Central Asia under the Global Gateway initiative.

The Trajectory of Economic Cooperation

Uzbekistan’s deep democratic transformations have significantly improved relations with European countries. Economic reforms have enhanced the competitiveness of Uzbekistan’s economy, stimulating investor confidence and growing interest from European businesses.

The results are impressive. Over the past 8 years, Uzbekistan’s GDP has doubled, reaching $115 billion in 2024. Since 2017, investment in fixed capital has totaled $240 billion, of which foreign investment exceeded $130 billion. The country’s foreign exchange reserves surpassed $48 billion for the first time in history. Structurally, the share of industry in the economy increased from 20% to 26%, and services from 44% to 47%. Labor productivity (GDP per employed person) rose by 45%.

As a result, opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation between Uzbek and European businesses have expanded. Between 2017 and 2024, Uzbekistan’s trade with the EU increased 2.4 times to $6.4 billion; exports grew 3.6 times to $1.7 billion, and imports 2.2 times to $4.7 billion. In 2024, the EU’s share in Uzbekistan’s total trade turnover was 9.7%, in exports 6.3%, and in imports 12%. The EU ranked third among Uzbekistan’s trade partners, after China and Russia.

The EU’s share in Uzbekistan’s total exports increased from 3.8% to 6.3% over the same period. This growth was driven by Uzbekistan’s accession to the GSP+ preferential trade system, granting duty-free access to the EU market across roughly 6,200 tariff lines. The share of Uzbekistan’s exports benefiting from GSP+ reached 59%, with a preference utilization rate of 84%, indicating efficient use of trade benefits.

In 2024, Uzbekistan’s exports to the EU were dominated by chemical products (52.1%), as well as textiles, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, minerals, and food products. Among EU members, France accounted for 47.2% of exports, Lithuania for 10%, and Latvia for 6.9%.

Uzbekistan’s imports from the EU significantly exceeded exports – a reflection of the ongoing technological modernization of the national economy. Around 16% of Uzbekistan’s total imports of machinery, equipment, and transport vehicles come from EU countries.

Investment cooperation is also expanding rapidly. In 2024, foreign investments and loans from EU countries and their financial institutions increased by 77%, reaching $4.1 billion (compared to $2.3 billion in 2023). The most active investors were Germany ($1.37 billion), the Netherlands ($1.05 billion), Cyprus ($858.9 million), the Czech Republic ($137.8 million), Italy ($99.8 million), and Sweden ($97.5 million). Today, around 1,000 enterprises with EU capital operate in Uzbekistan, with a total project portfolio of €30 billion.

A special role in recent years belongs to the EBRD, of which Uzbekistan has become one of the largest beneficiaries. The Bank’s total investments in Uzbekistan’s economy exceeded €5 billion, including around €1 billion in 2024, primarily directed toward the private sector.

Reforms in Uzbekistan have become the key driver for unlocking the significant potential of trade and economic cooperation with the European Union.

Uzbekistan–Belgium

The upcoming visit will also focus on strengthening relations between Uzbekistan and Belgium. Diplomatic relations were established following the opening of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Brussels in 1993. In 1996, the two countries signed an Agreement on avoidance of double taxation, and in 1998 – an Agreement on mutual protection and promotion of investments, which provide legal guarantees for investors in both states.

Business contacts have intensified in parallel with Uzbekistan’s reform agenda. The visits of 2019 and 2022 set the tone for cooperation in infrastructure, energy, and the digital economy. More important than the current trade volumes has been the recognition and support of Uzbekistan’s reforms by EU partners, laying the foundation for long-term engagement.

In 2024, bilateral trade amounted to $62.3 million, including $7.3 million in Uzbek exports and $55 million in imports. Investment cooperation is gaining momentum: several dozen companies with Belgian capital now operate in Uzbekistan, including wholly owned enterprises. New technologies are being localized, for example, Jaga Climate Designers is participating in a joint venture for heating and ventilation systems, and Picanol Group is localizing the assembly of high-tech textile machinery. Belgian brands Belcolade and Prefamac are exploring opportunities to launch chocolate production with subsequent localization.

Despite modest trade volumes, there is significant potential for expanding cooperation in several areas. Given Belgium’s leading role in pharmaceuticals and biomedical research and Uzbekistan’s growing pharmaceutical market, joint ventures or industrial clusters could be developed in this sector, involving companies such as UCB and Janssen Pharmaceutica.

There is also strong potential for joint fruit and vegetable processing projects in Uzbekistan, targeting exports to the EU via Belgian logistics hubs such as the Port of Antwerp and wholesale markets. Potential partners include Greenyard and Puratos. Direct seasonal exports of fresh fruits (e.g., grapes in autumn and winter), as well as dried vegetables, spices, and organic products, could also be expanded. In light industry, there is room to increase exports of ready-made knitwear and home textiles, provided European quality and safety standards are met. The market potential is evident – Belgium imported about $7.9 billion worth of clothing in 2024.

The main challenges remain logistics and standards. Belgium functions as a major EU maritime hub centered around Antwerp, while direct routes from Uzbekistan are still limited. The near-term priority should be pilot supply chains ensuring quality and traceability, the development of cold logistics, certification under EU technical and sanitary regulations, the use of Benelux consolidation hubs, and trade finance tools for SMEs. With the gradual development of new overland routes along the Middle Corridor, Uzbekistan will gain a stronger foothold in high value-added exports without higher costs or delivery delays.

Conclusion

Uzbekistan is entering a stage of deepened economic cooperation with the European Union. During the ongoing modernization and digital transformation of its economy, European investment, technology, education, and research experience can play a key role. At the same time, Uzbekistan seeks to expand exports of industrial goods as their quality improves.

Uzbekistan is also a rapidly growing market with a young and dynamic population, now reaching 38 million people – an 18% increase since 2017. Every year, around 700,000 economically active individuals enter the labor market, forming a substantial human resource base for the economy, including joint ventures.

As a result of poverty reduction policies, living standards and household incomes have risen significantly. Whereas a third of the population once lived below the poverty line, 7.5 million people have been lifted out of poverty, and the poverty rate declined to 8.9% in 2024, with plans to reduce it further to 6% this year. These policies not only address social challenges but also expand domestic demand, increasing the interest of European businesses in entering Uzbekistan’s market.

The further deepening of Uzbekistan’s economic engagement with the EU and Belgium is an objectively mutually beneficial process – one that will define the success of the upcoming state visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Belgium.

The agreements expected to be signed will help advance joint projects in sustainable energy and infrastructure, strengthen transport and technological connectivity between Central Asia and Europe, and position Europe as a key partner in Uzbekistan’s long-term growth and modernization trajectory.

 Obid Khakimov,  

Director of the Center for
Economic Research and Reforms

The current stage of global economic development is characterized by a large-scale transformation of international supply chains and growing geopolitical uncertainty. In this context, transport connectivity is becoming a key factor in ensuring economic security and sustainable development.

These processes are particularly relevant for the countries of Eurasia. Comprehensive transport and logistics cooperation between the Russian Federation and the Republic of Uzbekistan, which serve as key links in the new transit corridor architecture, is of strategic importance here.

Russian-Uzbek cooperation is demonstrating stable positive dynamics. By the end of 2025, the total volume of freight traffic between the countries reached 18.2 million tons, an increase of 13.6 percent compared to the previous year. Exports accounted for 3.6 million tons, imports for 9.2 million tons, and transit for 5.4 million tons.

Rail transport traditionally forms the bulk of freight turnover. In 2025, volumes reached 12.9 million tonnes, representing a 12.3 percent increase compared to the previous year, while transit traffic increased by almost 15 percent to 4.8 million tonnes.

The development of strategic industrial cooperation has become an important stage of cooperation. Specifically, a large-scale project to transfer the Tashkent Passenger Carriage Construction and Repair Plant to the trust management of Transmashholding JSC is being implemented. The signed agreements provide for the complete modernization of the plant by the end of 2026, with the prospect of its phased privatization.

In terms of passenger rail transportation, service has been fully restored on the Tashkent-Moscow and Tashkent-Kazan routes. The launch of train service from Andijan to Moscow and the establishment of direct rail service between the two countries' tourist centers are currently on the agenda.

The development of road transportation also remains an important area of ​​cooperation. By the end of 2025, the volume of road freight transport exceeded 5.2 million tons, representing a 16.5% increase. At the same time, passenger bus service continues to develop. Regular bus services have been established from Tashkent to Novosibirsk, Kazan, Perm, Krasnodar, Ufa, Moscow, and St. Petersburg.

Routes to Nizhny Novgorod, Tyumen, and Yekaterinburg are planned for 2026–2028. To improve service quality, unified service standards, monitoring systems, and digital services, including electronic ticket booking, are being implemented.

Significant results have also been achieved in aviation services. In 2025, more than 34,000 bilateral flights were operated, representing a 4.8% increase, carrying over 4.2 million passengers. Currently, flights operate at a frequency of 340 per week, involving over 45 Russian airlines and leading Uzbek carriers (Uzbekistan Airways, Qanot Sharq, Panorama Airways, and My Freighter).

A breakthrough was reached in June 2025 in Moscow by aviation authorities. The parties agreed to increase the frequency to 1,000 scheduled flights per week. If these quotas are fully utilized, the annual passenger capacity will exceed 16 million passengers. The most significant area of ​​cooperation is the joint development of new international transport corridors, the key one being the multimodal corridor "Belarus – Russia – Kazakhstan – Uzbekistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan." The project was initiated by the signing of a memorandum on the development of this corridor in 2023 at the first SCO Transport Forum.

In April 2024, the first meeting of the working group was held in Termez, where the parties signed a roadmap providing for the analysis of cargo flows, the implementation of electronic digital documents, and the optimization of customs procedures. After Pakistan joined the memorandum, a number of additional meetings of the working group were held throughout 2025, during which tariff conditions, logistics solutions, and the organization of test container shipments along the route were agreed upon.

This transport corridor has the potential to become one of the most important routes in the Eurasian space, providing direct transport and logistics links between the Union State of Belarus and Russia, the countries of Central Asia, and the markets of South Asia.

Russian-Uzbek cooperation in transport and logistics has become a full-scale strategic partnership. The synchronized development of all modes of transport, deep industrial cooperation, and the joint development of new transit routes form a reliable framework for Eurasian connectivity, capable of ensuring economic growth throughout Greater Eurasia.

Leading specialists of the Center for the Study of Transport and Logistics Development Problems under the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Sh. Akhmedov and M. Tohirov

In connection with the advent of Eid al-Adha, the holy holiday of Eid al-Adha, which embodies such noble values as mercy, generosity, humanism and harmony, and promotes an atmosphere of mutual respect and tolerance in society, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has received heartfelt congratulations from the heads of foreign States and governments, respected public and religious figures and heads of leading international and regional organizations.

In their messages, they express to the head of our state and the multinational people of Uzbekistan words of sincere respect, wishes for peace, well-being and prosperity, as well as reaffirm their commitment to the full strengthening of relations of friendship and multifaceted cooperation.



Congratulations, in particular, were sent to:

The Minister, Two Holy Shrines, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia;

Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia;

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Republic of Turkey;

Abdelfattah Al-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt;

President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev;

President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov;

President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon;

President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov;

National leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov;

Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan;

Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates;

Vice President, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum;

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs of the United Arab Emirates;

Shaikh Seif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior of the United Arab Emirates;

Turki bin Muhammad bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of State and member of the Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia;

Emir of the State of Kuwait Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah;

Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Muborak Al-Sabah;

King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan;

King Muhammad VI of Morocco;

Abdelmajid Tebboun, President of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria;

Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine;

Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States Kubanychbek Omuraliev;

Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization, Khusraw Noziri;

Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Hussein Ibrohim Taha;

Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board.

Congratulations continue to pour in.

Belarus and Uzbekistan actively cooperate in the transport and logistics sector within the framework of the Coordinating Transport Conference of the CIS Member States (CIS CTC), the Organization for Cooperation of Railways (OSJD), and the Commonwealth Railway Transport Council (CIS RTC).

An additional basis for the development of bilateral and multilateral cooperation is the participation of both countries in the CIS and SCO, where issues of developing international transport corridors and strengthening transport connectivity between states occupy an important place on the cooperation agenda.

A practical result of cooperation is the steady positive growth in freight traffic between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Belarus, which is one of the republic's key trade and transport partners.

In terms of export and import freight volumes, Belarus is among Uzbekistan's top ten trading partners. By the end of 2025, freight traffic between the two countries reached 850,000 tons, an increase of 30% compared to the previous year.

The structure of freight traffic is dominated by imports, primarily timber, timber products, and food products, while export volumes remain insignificant and consist primarily of agricultural products.

The current situation demonstrates significant potential for increasing mutual freight traffic, primarily through the expansion of Uzbek exports and the development of new logistics routes.

In the context of geopolitical conflicts and the diversification of global supply chains, the creation of new international transport corridors in Eurasia using mixed modes of transport in the East-West and North-South directions is acquiring strategic importance.

The following are promising cooperation projects:

1. Development of new, optimal alternative transport routes with access to seaports.

A promising area is the development of the international transport route "Belarus – Russia – Kazakhstan – Uzbekistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – Indian Ocean ports," which utilizes the shortest railway section running through Kazakhstan between the Dina Nurpeisova and Karakalpakstan stations.

On November 1, 2023, in Tashkent, at the SCO Transport Forum, the transport ministers of Uzbekistan, Russia, and Kazakhstan signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the creation and development of this corridor. Belarus and Pakistan joined the Memorandum in 2024, and negotiations are currently underway to add Afghanistan.

The economic logic of the project is very clear. The corridor is approximately half the length of existing alternative routes and reduces delivery times by 2-3 times. It will directly connect the countries of the European Union and the CIS with Southeast and South Asia via a land-based rail and road route, increasing our countries' transit potential by transporting goods to the densely populated countries of South Asia – India and Pakistan – via the Uzbekistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan route.

In the future, joint work is planned to develop uniform standards for the operation of the international transport corridor, including the introduction of a single shipping document and the unification of technological and technical standards.

It should be noted that the new route through Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan will contribute to the diversification of the geography and structure of foreign trade and will lead to an increase in the region's transit potential.

This potential is already being demonstrated in practice. In the first quarter of 2026 alone, freight transit to the south through Uzbekistan increased by 23% compared to the same period last year, reaching 1.8 million tons, of which 1.3 million tons were transported by rail and 0.5 million tons by road.

1. Cooperation in Transport Personnel Training.

A significant element of the long-term partnership is cooperation in the training and advanced training of transport specialists.

Belarus has a recognized track record in transport training. For example, the Belarusian State University of Transport in Gomel is a leading specialized educational and research institution, which includes the Institute for Advanced Training and Retraining of Personnel and the Research Institute of Railway Transport.

Developing cooperation between the Belarusian State University of Transport and specialized organizations in Uzbekistan, particularly the Tashkent State Transport University, would enable the organization of internships and advanced training programs for specialists, the development of academic mobility for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students, and joint research in priority areas of rail transport development, multimodal transportation, and international transport logistics.

III. Digitalization of Permit Exchange for Road Transport.

A separate practical area is the transition to the electronic exchange of permit forms—the E-permit system. Uzbekistan currently fully implements this exchange with Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, and Turkey, and partially with Tajikistan. Work is underway to launch it with Turkmenistan.

Implementing this system in cooperation with Belarus will ensure transparency in permit distribution, eliminate human error, and strengthen oversight of their use, which is especially relevant given the growing volume of road transport between the countries.

Thus, cooperation between Belarus and Uzbekistan in transport and logistics goes beyond increasing mutual traffic and acquires a strategic dimension.

The implementation of these projects—from a multimodal corridor to Indian Ocean ports to the digitalization of permitting procedures—could transform our countries' geographical location into a real competitive advantage, making the Belarus-Uzbekistan-South Asia route convenient, fast, and predictable.

Joint and consistent work in these areas will strengthen economic ties between the two countries and make a significant contribution to the development of sustainable transport connectivity in the Eurasian space.

Head of Department, Center for the Study of Transport and Logistics Development Problems under the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan Dildora Ibragimova

Марказий Осиё сўнгги йилларда иқлим ўзгариши оқибатларига тобора кўпроқ дуч келаётган ва дунёда ундан энг кўп зарар кўриши мумкин бўлган минтақалридан бири. Сўнгги 70 йил ичида Марказий Осиёда ҳарорат Цельсий бўйича 1,5-2 даражага кўтарилди. Бу эса экологик муаммоларнинг кескинлашувига, музликларнинг эриши ва чўлланишнинг тезлашишига таъсир кўрсатмоқда. Ушбу жараёнларнинг барчаси бир-бири билан ўзаро боғлиқ бўлиб, минтақадаги экотизимлар, иқтисодиёт ва одамлар ҳаётига салбий таъсир кўрсатмоқда.

Глобал миқёсда иқлим ўзгариши туфайли музларнинг эриш тезлиги сўнгги йилларда 65 фоизга ошди: 90-йилларнинг бошида сайёрада йилига 0,8 триллион тонна, 2000-йилларга келиб эса 1,3 триллион тонна муз эриб кетган. Марказий Осиё минтақаси учун ҳам ушбу экологик муаммо бугунги куннинг энг муҳим иқлим муаммолари қаторига киради.

Марказий Осиёда сув ресурслари тақчиллиги ортиб бормоқда. Бугунги кунда 37 миллион нафардан ортиқ киши асосан сув таъминотининг пасайиши, шунингдек, тегишли инфратузилманинг етарли даражада ривожланмаганлиги билан боғлиқ бўлган сув ресурслари кескин етишмайдиган ҳудудларда яшайди.

Евроосиё тараққиёт банки ҳисоб-китобларига кўра, 2025-2030-йилларда минтақа мамлакатлари учун сув ва иқлим инфратузилмасига зарур бўлган инвестицияларнинг умумий ҳажми қарийб 29,2 миллиард долларни ташкил этади.

Оролбўйи минтақасининг ҳолати вазиятни қийинлаштирмоқда – шамоллар Оролнинг қуриган тубидан ҳар йили тахминан 15-75 миллион тонна қум, чанг ва тузни учириб кетади. Бу эса сезиларли масофаларда ҳавонинг сифатини ёмонлаштиради ва бевосита ижтимоий-иқтисодий йўқотишларга олиб келади.

Шу сабабдан ҳам сўнгги йилларда Марказий Осиёнинг минтақавий кун тартибида экологик масалалар тобора устувор аҳамият касб этмоқда. Сув ресурслари билан боғлиқ муаммолар, ерларнинг деградацияси, иқлим ўзгариши, Оролбўйининг ҳолати эндиликда минтақа мамлакатлари томонидан алоҳида эмас, балки минтақанинг умумий барқарор ижтимоий-иқтисодий ривожланиш масалалари контекстида кўрилмоқда.

Марказий Осиё мамлакатлари давлат раҳбарларининг сиёсий иродаси туфайли экология соҳасидаги кўп томонлама ҳамкорлик янада тизимли ва мазмунли бўлиб бормоқда.

Бунда минтақавий ҳамкорликнинг институционал асосларини мустаҳкамлаш алоҳида ўрин тутди. Оролни қутқариш халқаро жамғармаси ва унинг тузилмалари амалдаги механизмлари билан бир қаторда, экологик масалалар минтақа мамлакатлари давлат раҳбарларининг маслаҳат учрашувлари, шунингдек, соҳавий идоралараро ва экспертлар мулоқоти доирасида янада изчил мустаҳкамлана бошлади.

Минтақа мамлакатларининг иқлим билан боғлиқ халқаро тадбирларда фаоллашганини ҳам таъкидлаш жоиз. Хусусан, БМТнинг Иқлим ўзгариши тўғрисидаги доиравий конвенцияси конференцияларида Марказий Осиё мамлакатлари "5 мамлакат - 1 минтақа - 1 овоз" тамойили остида чиқиш қилиб, иқлим муаммолари бўйича миллий устувор масалалар ва умумий минтақавий ёндашувларни тақдим эта бошладилар.

Марказий Осиёнинг барча мамлакатлари Париж келишуви доирасида ўзларининг миллий миқёсда белгиланган ҳиссасини тақдим этди ва иссиқхона газларини камайтириш, "яшил" энергетика қувватини ошириш ва мослашувчанлик салоҳиятини мустаҳкамлаш бўйича ўз олдига юқори мақсадларни қўйди.

Шу билан бирга, Қозоғистон 2060-йилга бориб углерод нейтраллигига эришиш йўлини белгилаб олди, Ўзбекистон эса 2035-йилга бориб ялпи ички маҳсулот бирлигига тўғри келадиган иссиқхона газлари эмиссиясини 2010-йилдагига нисбатан 50 фоизга камайтириш бўйича мақсадли кўрсаткични оширди. Қирғизистон, Тожикистон ва Туркманистон ҳам глобал иқлим мақсадларига эришиш йўлидаги интилишларини тасдиқлаб, ўз ҳиссасини доимий равишда янгилаб, ошириб келмоқда.

Орол инқирози оқибатларига мослашиш масаласида ҳам сезиларли натижаларга эришилди. Хусусан, Орол денгизининг қуриган тубида Ўзбекистон томонида сўнгги 5 йил ичида 1,7 миллион гектар ўрмонзорлар барпо этилди, Қозоғистон томонида 1 миллион гектардан ортиқ майдонда ўрмон-мелиорация ишлари олиб борилди.

Минтақавий ҳамкорликнинг яна бир ёрқин натижаларидан бири Шимолий Оролдаги вазиятнинг яхшиланиши бўлди. Сирдарё бўйидаги   сув омборларининг иш тартибини мувофиқлаштириш ва давлатлараро келишувларни бажариш ҳисобига сўнгги уч йилда денгизга 6 миллиард куб метрдан ортиқ сув келиб тушди. Натижада Шимолий Оролнинг ҳажми 2022-йил охиридаги 18,9 миллиард куб метрдан 2025-йил охирида 23 миллиард куб метргача ошди.

Билим алмашинуви ва илмий экологик экспертиза соҳасида ҳам минтақавий ҳамкорлик кенгаймоқда. Ўзбекистонда атроф-муҳит ва иқлим ўзгаришини ўрганиш бўйича Марказий Осиё университетининг ташкил этилиши ушбу ҳамкорликнинг натижаси бўлиб, минтақада шу йўналишда кадрлар тайёрлаш ва қўшма тадқиқотларни ривожлантириш учун янги майдонга айланди.

Шундай қилиб, Марказий Осиёда ўзаро минтақавий экологик ҳамкорлик аста-секин амалий аҳамият касб этмоқда. Мамлакатлар умумий халқаро позицияни шакллантириш, мувофиқлаштириш механизмларини ривожлантириш, Оролбўйи экотизимларини тиклаш бўйича чора-тадбирларни амалга ошириш ва илмий-таълим базасини яратишда сезиларли натижаларга эришди.

Шу билан бирга, минтақадаги экологик муаммолар кўлами мувофиқлаштиришни кенгайтиришни тақозо қилмоқда. Трансчегаравий сув ресурсларини бошқаришда янада ўзаро мувофиқлаштирилган ёндашувларни ишлаб чиқиш, иқлим ўзгаришининг оқибатларига мослашиш чораларини кенгайтириш, сув ва экологик инфратузилмага узоқ муддатли инвестицияларни жалб этиш, шунингдек, умумий экспертлар базаси ва таҳлилий базани мустаҳкамлаш устувор вазифалар сифатида қолмоқда.

Кейинги йилларда Марказий Осиёнинг экологик кун тартиби самарадорлиги минтақа мамлакатлари сиёсий ҳамкорлик натижаларини барқарор қўшма механизмларга қанчалик изчил трансформация қила олишига боғлиқ бўлади.

Остона шаҳрида бўлиб ўтадиган Минтақавий экологик саммит иқлим масаласида умумий мақсадига эришиш йўлидаги яна бир қадам бўлади. Иқлим ва экологик муаммоларни бартараф этиш бўйича янги ва амалий ечимларни ишлаб чиқиш нафақат Марказий Осиё мамлакатларининг глобал иқлим кун тартибига қўшган ҳиссасини оширишга, балки экотизимлар барқарорлигини таъминлаш, ҳаво ифлосланишини камайтириш, табиий ресурсларни барқарор бошқариш ва устувор равишда сув ва энергетика ресурсларини бошқариш бўйича минтақавий вазифаларни ҳал этишга ҳам хизмат қилади.

Эльвира Бикеева,

МҲТИ лойиҳа раҳбари

Малика Сапармуҳаметова,
МҲТИ етакчи мутахассиси