In recent years, Uzbekistan has demonstrated significant progress in the field of international tourism, which pays special attention to cooperation with the CIS countries. Historically, this region has close cultural, economic and humanitarian ties with Uzbekistan, which contributes to the active exchange of tourists and the development of joint initiatives in the tourism industry. According to statistics for January–August 2024 and 2025, there has been a steady increase in the total number of tourists from 6.7 million visiting Uzbekistan to more than 7.5 million with an annual increase of 15-20% per year. By the end of 2025, more than 11 million foreign tourists are expected to arrive.
Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan remain the most significant sources of tourists among the CIS countries. In 2024, Kazakhstan sent more than 2.1 million tourists to Uzbekistan in January – August, Kyrgyzstan — about 1.78 million, and Tajikistan — almost 1.6 million. In 2025, Kyrgyzstan slightly surpassed Kazakhstan in the number of visitors — 2.16 million against 1.77 million, which indicates a positive trend towards strengthening bilateral ties in the field of tourism. Tajikistan also showed an increase of almost 1.7 million tourists. In addition to the traditional leaders, the number of tourists from Turkmenistan increased significantly in January–August, from 125,000 in 2024 to 243,000 in 2025. This growth confirms the growing attractiveness of Uzbekistan as a tourist destination for all neighboring countries.
The CIS countries with fewer tourists, such as Azerbaijan, Belarus, Moldova, Armenia, Ukraine and Russia, also note positive dynamics. The increase in the number of Russian tourists in January –August is particularly noteworthy — from 587,000 in 2024 to more than 663,000 in 2025, reflecting the strengthening of tourist and cultural ties between the two countries. The growth of the tourist flow from the CIS is largely due to Uzbekistan's comprehensive work to improve infrastructure, simplify visa procedures, and actively promote travel brands. The development of transport links, the introduction of modern services and the expansion of the range of tourism products make Uzbekistan more and more attractive to visitors from neighboring countries.
Uzbekistan is the historical center and pearl of the Great Silk Road, the crossroads of world cultures and civilizations. There are more than 8,000 cultural heritage sites in the country. 209 of them are part of four museum cities included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The magnificent monuments of the ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva attract many tourists who want to get acquainted with the rich heritage of the region. Samarkand is the ancient capital of the empire of the great commander Amir Temur, which houses the most beautiful Registan ensemble, the Ulugbek Observatory and the Imam Al-Bukhari complex, the most important for Muslims, the fabulous city of Bukhara, famous throughout the Islamic world with its Bahauddin Naqshbandi complex, the Ark fortress and the Poi Kalyan ensemble, the capital of the Khorezmshah State Khiva with a museum city open-air Ichan-Kala, and of course the city of Shakhrisabz, where Amir Temur was born and built the Ok-Saroy palace there.
Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is the geographical center and the largest hub of Central Asia, a connecting bridge between East and West. Tourists can get great emotions and impressions from their stay in Tashkent, which has many interesting sights, including the architecture of modernity and the ancient East. Uzbekistan is not only a historical city, but also a huge number of natural attractions: the picturesque mountains of the Western Tien Shan and Pamir Alai, mysterious caves, the endless Kyzylkum desert, a huge number of lakes, the Ustyurt plateau and the Aral Sea in Karakalpakstan. It should be noted that Uzbekistan occupies high places in the world tourism rankings, in the field of security, historical attractions, family tourism, gastronomy, etc. There is a tourist police in all tourist centers of the country, thanks to which all foreign visitors feel safe at all times. At the same time, over the past 10 years, Uzbekistan has not had any incidents related to the safety of tourists in the country, which could negatively affect the tourist image of Uzbekistan. Great attention is paid to youth tourism in the country, special tours of historical subjects, ecotourism, extreme tourism, and industrial tourism have been formed to visit various production facilities, which also serve as their subsequent professional orientation.
The Government of Uzbekistan has identified several territories with high tourism potential as free tourist zones created specifically for businesses operating in the tourism sector. Conditions have been created to attract foreign investment in the tourism sector. To encourage investors, various incentives have been introduced for the hotel sector, the construction of tourist complexes and infrastructure. Business representatives from the CIS countries are the most active investors, creating both enterprises with 100 foreign investments and joint ventures in the tourism industry of Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan invites Russian investors to take an active part in joint projects in the territories of Charvak, Chimgan, Nanai, Baysun, Maidanak, Miraki, Parkent, Akhangaran, Angren, Akchakul, Tudakul, Aydarkul and others tourist zones. The development of tourism with the CIS countries is becoming not only a factor of economic growth, but also an important element in strengthening interstate relations, cultural exchange and friendship of peoples. The growth of the tourist flow contributes to the creation of new jobs, the development of small and medium-sized businesses and the improvement of the standard of living of the population. The prospects for further development of tourism ties between Uzbekistan and the CIS countries look very promising. Enhanced cooperation, exchange of experience and implementation of innovative solutions will make the region one of the most attractive and dynamically developing tourist destinations in Eurasia. The Committee on Tourism of Uzbekistan is ready to support the tourism business of our countries in the implementation of joint projects, and create all necessary conditions for comfortable travel of tourists of all categories from the CIS countries.

Head of the Department of
Transport and Logistics Development Shukhrat Isakulov

The 26th International Textile and Garment Industry Exhibition TextileExpo Uzbekistan 2026 will be held from May 13 to 15, 2026 at the Uzexpocentre National Exhibition Complex in Tashkent

TextileExpo Uzbekistan is the largest B2B platform for the textile and garment industry in Central Asia, bringing together manufacturers, suppliers, and professional buyers. Here, the buyers find reliable partners, current trends, and favourable terms of cooperation, while industry representatives find comprehensive solutions for production development and optimization. Visitors can compare offers, evaluate product quality, and negotiate directly with manufacturers.

Over 150 verified suppliers from 7 countries will participate, with strong representation from companies from China.

The exhibition will traditionally cover all production cycle phases from raw materials to finished products and accessories. Visitors will find yarn, fabrics, knitwear, fittings and accessories, finished garments, technical and home textiles, hosiery, as well as chemicals and dyes for the textile industry.

According to the organizers, the traditional Buyers’ Program is planned as a unique component of the TextileExpo Uzbekistan. It is a platform focused on achieving concrete business outcomes, including targeted B2B meetings, the establishment of long-term partnerships, and the conclusion of commercial contracts. For domestic companies, the program serves as an effective channel for entering international markets and scaling export deliveries. For buyers, exclusive participation conditions are provided, allowing them to make the most efficient use of their time at the exhibition and gain priority access to key suppliers.

Dunyo IA

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)

The text of the article is in Russian!

The resilience of Finland’s development model and the dynamism of Uzbekistan’s reforms provide a solid foundation for deepening bilateral cooperation. Finland combines technological leadership, efficient governance, and a robust social policy. Its mixed model of development with strong public regulation and an active private sector is based on long-term planning, technological excellence, and social equality.
A balanced economic policy keeps inflation at 2–3%, while maintaining a high AA+ credit rating. The national research infrastructure is funded as a key element of state strategy. Total spending on research and development exceeds 3% of GDP, reaching €8.4 billion in 2023, up 6.3% from the previous year. The contributions came from the public sector, universities, and private business.
Finland’s economy remains open and export-oriented. In 2024, foreign trade reached €146.5 billion, including €72.2 billion in exports and €74.3 billion in imports. Its technological specialization, advanced digital environment, and high human capital create a predictable setting for investors.
At the same time, Uzbekistan has become a driver of reform in Central Asia over the past eight years. The country’s GDP has doubled to reach $115 billion. Since 2017, fixed capital investments have totaled $240 billion, with over $130 billion coming from foreign sources. International reserves exceed $48 billion. The structure of production has evolved: the share of industry rose from 20% to 26%, services from 44% to 47%, and labor productivity increased by 45%. Regulatory reforms expanded the space for private capital, while transport and energy infrastructure projects established a new foundation for industrialization and export growth.
As a result of these reforms, Uzbekistan’s trade with the European Union has entered a stable growth trajectory. Between 2017 and 2024, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and the EU increased 2.4 times from $2.6 billion to $6.4 billion. In 2024, exports rose by nearly 27% compared to 2023, while imports remained at a comparable level.
A New Stage of Political and Economic Relations
Particularly strong momentum has emerged in Uzbek–Finnish relations. Regular high-level contacts have given fresh impetus to the bilateral dialogue. On 12 November 2024, on the sidelines of the COP29 Summit in Baku, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with President of Finland Alexander Stubb. The two leaders discussed prospects for cooperation in the fields of the green economy, renewable energy, innovation, and education, and exchanged views on sustainable development and climate policy.
The political dialogue continued with a telephone conversation on 9 September 2025, during which the heads of state explored ways to expand economic and humanitarian cooperation. Furthermore, an official visit of the President of Finland to Uzbekistan is expected in late October 2025, aimed at consolidating earlier agreements and opening new areas of partnership.
This process is creating a favorable foundation for strengthening trade and economic ties, introducing Finnish technologies, and attracting investment into Uzbekistan’s priority sectors. From 2019 to 2024, bilateral trade more than tripled to reach $152 million. Uzbekistan’s exports to Finland increased almost 17 times to $4.73 million, while imports from Finland nearly tripled to $147 million. Over the past year alone, Uzbek exports to Finland grew by 56%, and imports rose 3.2 times. From January to August 2025, trade volume exceeded $68 million.
Trade flows reflect each country’s comparative advantages: Uzbekistan supplies industrial goods and services, while Finland exports machinery, transport equipment, chemicals, and food products.
Prospects for Cooperation
The emerging agenda for trade and economic cooperation draws on Finland’s experience in engineering, clean technologies, digital healthcare, education, and R&D management – areas closely aligned with Uzbekistan’s goals for technological renewal, energy efficiency, and human capital development. At the same time, Uzbekistan’s favorable business climate and major infrastructure projects are reducing operational costs for foreign companies.
Given Uzbekistan’s development priorities and conducive investment conditions, there is significant potential to further deepen Uzbek–Finnish cooperation across several areas. According to the Center for Economic Research and Reforms, Uzbekistan’s exports to Finland could expand even in the short term, particularly in sectors where Uzbek producers have existing capacity and advantage – textiles and garments, fruits and nuts, footwear, leather goods, stone and cement products, as well as copper and semi-finished copper products.
Logistics could be organized through the ports of Helsinki and HaminaKotka, with Turku as a potential reserve. Distribution channels could be developed via major retail networks and distributors, including Kesko and S Group. Key success factors include certification under EU standards, stable supply chains, and regular contracts.
Industrial cooperation should move toward deeper processing with full production cycles, for example, in knitwear, wool, and leather, from spinning and dyeing to finished apparel. Potential partners include Finnish companies such as Lapuan Kankurit and Pirtin Kehräämö, as well as the Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture. In agriculture, joint breeding programs using Finnish sheep lines and supported by LUKE (Natural Resources Institute Finland) could strengthen the raw-material base of Uzbekistan’s textile clusters.
In the digital and green transformation sphere, collaboration could extend to telecom infrastructure and critical systems management with companies such as Nokia. In energy, there is potential for cooperation in localizing components for solar installations and storage systems, developing smart grids, and improving generation efficiency in hot climates, with participation from Finnish firms Valoe, Fortum Solar, and Wärtsilä.
For research and materials science, engaging institutions such as VTT and LUT University would help build a sustainable technological and human-resource base in Uzbekistan, while opening new regional export niches.
In mechanical engineering, cooperation could develop with Metso and Valmet on equipment components, servicing, and partial localization. In logistics and cargo handling solutions, Finnish companies Konecranes and Cargotec offer relevant expertise. In climate monitoring and water-chemical solutions, potential partners include Vaisala and Kemira.
A cross-cutting priority remains human capital. Joint programs with the University of Helsinki, Tampere University, and University of Oulu are needed to establish industrial internships and introduce Finnish methods for training engineers, technologists, and quality specialists for high-tech industries.
At the institutional level, further progress will require harmonizing border procedures, launching green corridors, implementing digital customs systems, and ensuring mutual recognition of certificates. It will also be important to develop industrial and agro-processing clusters, logistics hubs, and training programs for workforce development.
In the near future, Uzbek–Finnish cooperation may reach a stable, long-term trajectory. For Finland, Uzbekistan represents a reliable supplier of manufactured goods and components, and a new market for technology and equipment. For Uzbekistan, deeper cooperation provides access to advanced solutions and Northern European distribution channels.
In conclusion, the combination of Finland’s effective governance model, innovation, and environmental responsibility with Uzbekistan’s large-scale reforms creates a strong foundation for joint practical projects in manufacturing, energy, telecommunications, and education. Such a partnership can not only enhance the technological level of Uzbekistan’s economy but also give new quality to Uzbek–Finnish relations – anchored in long-term, sustainable, and mutually beneficial development.

Afzal Artikov,
Chief researcher,
Center for Economic Research and
Reforms under the Administration
of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

On May 15, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev paid a working visit to the city of Turkestan, where he took part in the informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States. The visit featured an extensive political, economic, and humanitarian agenda, as well as a series of high-level bilateral meetings. In an interview with the correspondent of Dunyo IA, First Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan Akramjon Nematov shared his views on the significance of the summit, emerging trends in the development of the OTS, and Uzbekistan’s initiatives.

— President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s participation in the informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States in Turkestan was highly intensive both in terms of substance and the number of bilateral engagements. In your opinion, what made this visit particularly noteworthy and distinctive?

— First and foremost, I would note that this visit reflected a qualitatively new stage both in the development of the Organization of Turkic States itself and in the role of Central Asia within the emerging architecture of Eurasian cooperation.

Notably, the summit agenda extended far beyond cultural and humanitarian cooperation to encompass issues directly linked to future economic and technological development — digitalization, artificial intelligence, transport connectivity, and innovation. This reflects the OTS’s gradual transformation into a more pragmatic platform oriented toward practical cooperation.

Such an approach is particularly close to Uzbekistan, as our country has consistently advocated open, mutually beneficial, and technology-driven cooperation across Eurasia. Amid ongoing global transformation, connectivity, resilient supply chains, digital infrastructure, and joint industrial development are becoming key determinants of long-term regional competitiveness.

Another distinctive feature of the summit is the increasingly prominent role of Central Asia as an independent center of regional dynamism. It is symbolic that the meeting took place in Turkestan, one of the most important spiritual and historical centers of the Turkic world. This underscores the growing importance of our region not only as a space of shared historical and cultural heritage, but also as a major hub of economic, transport, and humanitarian connectivity.

Particular attention should be paid to the bilateral meetings held by the President of Uzbekistan with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, and President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. These meetings demonstrated the high level of trust and intensity of regional dialogue.

In particular, talks with the Kyrgyz side focused on advancing major infrastructure projects, above all the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway. Today, such projects carry not merely transport significance but strategic importance, as they are shaping a new geoeconomic configuration of Eurasia and strengthening Central Asia’s role as a key transit, manufacturing, and logistics hub.

The meeting with the Turkish leader also confirmed that Uzbek-Turkish relations have reached the level of a stable comprehensive strategic partnership. This is no longer solely about expanding trade or investment, but about building long-term cooperation in industry, technology, logistics, education, and other sectors.

The humanitarian dimension of the visit was equally significant. The visit to the mosque built by the Uzbek side in Turkestan became a vivid symbol of the strengthening fraternal ties between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan and reflected the shared historical, spiritual, and cultural affinity of the two peoples. Importantly, the humanitarian dimension is increasingly serving as a natural complement to economic and political cooperation in the region.

In a broader context, the visit confirms that Uzbekistan continues to pursue an open and balanced foreign policy aimed at fostering constructive engagement with all partners. It is fundamentally important that the countries of Central Asia view Turkic cooperation not as a closed geopolitical project, but as part of a broader architecture of inclusive and mutually beneficial cooperation across Eurasia.

This is precisely why Central Asia is increasingly asserting itself as an independent actor in international relations with its own agenda based on the principles of good-neighborliness, connectivity, pragmatism, and shared responsibility for the region’s sustainable development.

— What agenda did Uzbekistan bring to the informal OTS summit in Turkestan, and what, in your view, was particularly noteworthy about the initiatives put forward by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev?

— Uzbekistan presented at the summit of the Organization of Turkic States a highly comprehensive yet pragmatic agenda aimed not only at strengthening the cultural and civilizational commonality of the Turkic world, but above all at shaping a new architecture of technological, transport, investment, and humanitarian cooperation.

What distinguished President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s address was its emphasis on transforming the OTS from a predominantly political and cultural platform into a mechanism for practical integration in the most promising and strategically sensitive areas of the 21st century — artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, logistics, climate security, and cyber resilience.

Notably, Uzbekistan effectively proposed a conceptual vision for a “Digital Turkic Space.” The discussion has moved beyond cultural affinity or expanding trade toward the creation of a common technological ecosystem. It was in this context that the initiative to establish a strategic cooperation network in the field of artificial intelligence was advanced, along with the concept of a “Digital Turkic Corridor” designed to connect regional data centers and digital platforms through high-speed communication channels.

It is especially important that the President of Uzbekistan linked the digital agenda with the historical and intellectual heritage of Turkic civilization. References to Muhammad al-Khorazmiy, Ahmad al-Farganiy, Abu Rayhan al-Beruniy, and Mirzo Ulugbek gave the speech greater depth and intellectual dimension. In doing so, it was emphasized that modern technological modernization is viewed not as an external borrowing, but as a natural continuation of the region’s own scientific legacy.

Another important feature was Uzbekistan’s promotion of the institutionalization of cooperation. Virtually all of the President’s initiatives were practical in nature and aimed at establishing concrete mechanisms of interaction — a joint venture fund with Kazakhstan, a Technology Forum in Tashkent, a big data platform for consolidating shared cultural heritage, a Turkic Cybersecurity Alliance, and a climate risk monitoring system based on satellite data.

It is also indicative that Uzbekistan consistently promotes the nexus between digitalization, transport connectivity, and security. Particular emphasis in the speech was placed on integrating the Middle Corridor with the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, the digitalization of customs procedures, and the launch of a unified logistics space. In essence, this involves the formation of a new Eurasian transport and technological framework in which Central Asia becomes not a periphery, but one of the key hubs.

The environmental dimension of the initiatives also deserves special attention. Uzbekistan proposed viewing the climate agenda as an issue of collective security for the Turkic space. The initiative to declare 2027 the Year of Environmental Protection within the OTS framework, along with proposals for joint monitoring of droughts, soil degradation, and glacier melt, reflects the intention to provide the Organization with a more modern and globally relevant agenda.

Equally important is that amid growing international turbulence, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev placed special emphasis on trust, coordination, and collective resilience. The proposal to establish a Turkic Cybersecurity Alliance reflects the understanding that emerging threats are increasingly taking shape not only in the traditional military-political sphere, but also in the digital domain.

Overall, Uzbekistan’s address demonstrated that Tashkent views the OTS as a long-term platform for strategic cooperation capable of becoming one of the independent centers of technological, economic, and humanitarian development across Eurasia. At the same time, the distinguishing feature of Uzbekistan’s approach lies in its combination of pragmatism, institutional thinking, and the concept of open regional connectivity.

— How would you assess the overall outcomes of the OTS summit, and what is its practical significance today?

— Viewed in a broader strategic context, the recently concluded summit of the Organization of Turkic States demonstrated that the OTS is gradually moving beyond a predominantly symbolic and humanitarian model of interaction toward becoming a fully-fledged platform for practical cooperation in a rapidly changing world.

And this is perhaps the principal outcome of the meeting in Turkestan.

Today, the international system is undergoing a period of profound transformation. Geopolitical fragmentation is intensifying, competition for transport routes, technologies, resources, and markets is growing, and established logistics chains are being disrupted. The importance of infrastructure resilience, energy security, digital sovereignty, and food stability is steadily increasing. Against this backdrop, states are increasingly seeking regional formats of cooperation capable of ensuring resilience to external shocks.

It is precisely in this context that the outcomes of the OTS summit should be viewed.

The practical significance of the meeting lies primarily in the fact that the countries of the Turkic world have begun discussing not abstract integration ideas, but concrete mechanisms for joint development — transport corridors, digital infrastructure, technological cooperation, climate resilience, logistics, and cybersecurity.

It is highly indicative that virtually all speeches delivered by the leaders focused, in one way or another, on connectivity and resilience. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev emphasized the need to strengthen the transport and transit potential of the Turkic space and further develop the Middle Corridor. President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stressed the importance of logistics integration and expanding economic cooperation among OTS member states. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev paid particular attention to transport connectivity and the region’s role in shaping new Eurasian routes. All of this reflects a shared understanding that transport, logistics, and infrastructure connectivity are becoming the foundation of the new regional economy.

In this regard, Central Asia is gradually transforming into one of the key hubs of Eurasia. The region is no longer perceived solely as a transit space. Today, the focus is on the emergence of a new manufacturing, logistics, and investment hub linking East and West, North and South.

That is why such importance is attached to the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway, the integration of the Middle Corridor, the digitalization of customs procedures, and the development of data centers and logistics platforms. In effect, a new infrastructural geography of Eurasia is taking shape.

It is particularly important that the summit clearly highlighted the interconnection between transport connectivity, digitalization, and security. Today, the resilience of states is determined not only by military capabilities, but also by their ability to ensure the uninterrupted functioning of transport corridors, energy networks, digital infrastructure, and supply chains.

In this sense, Uzbekistan’s initiatives appear highly timely and strategically sound. The proposals to establish a “Digital Turkic Corridor,” a Turkic Cybersecurity Alliance, a climate risk monitoring system, and joint artificial intelligence platforms reflect an understanding that competition in the 21st century will increasingly unfold in the technological and infrastructural domains.

The climate agenda also deserves special attention. Just a few years ago, such issues were perceived as secondary, whereas today they are directly linked to economic resilience and security. Water scarcity, soil degradation, and extreme weather events have a direct impact on energy, agriculture, transport, and migration processes. Therefore, Uzbekistan’s proposal to establish climate risk monitoring mechanisms and declare 2027 the Year of Environmental Protection appears especially timely and relevant.

It is also noteworthy that the summit demonstrated a high level of political trust among the Central Asian states. Just a few years ago, it would have been difficult to imagine such an intensive level of regional interaction. Today, however, Central Asia is acting no longer as an object of major powers’ foreign policies, but as an independent actor in international relations capable of shaping its own agenda and advancing major regional initiatives.

Overall, it can be said that the practical value of the summit lies in strengthening the region’s long-term resilience. The focus is on creating mechanisms that will enable the countries of the Turkic space to jointly adapt to global transformations — technological, economic, climatic, and geopolitical.

For this reason, the current summit should be viewed not merely as a diplomatic event, but as an important stage in shaping a new model of regional cooperation across Eurasia based on pragmatism, connectivity, technological development, and collective resilience.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the Inno innovative training and production technopark in Almazar district of the capital.

This technopark was established three years ago. Innovative ideas and inventions for the development of industrial sectors are developed here. In order to train young people in modern professions, cooperation with higher educational institutions has been established. Every year seminars and workshops are held with the participation of about 15 thousand students and pupils.

There are more and more such innovation centers in our country. Industry, energy and information technologies are developing, new complexes are being launched. They require engineers and technicians with up-to-date knowledge and qualifications.

The activity of higher engineering schools established at Tashkent State Technical University, Bukhara Institute of Engineering and Technology, Tashkent State Transport University, Fergana Polytechnic Institute, Tashkent Architecture and Construction University and Tashkent University of Information Technologies has been presented to the President.

The decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated February 2, 2024 sets a number of tasks in this direction. In particular, according to the decree, the organizational and managerial activities of higher education institutions that train personnel in engineering and technology are being improved. The existing training programs are being studied and fundamentally changed in accordance with modern technologies and the requirements of employers.

The head of our state was informed about it.

At the first stage, higher engineering schools will be opened at 10 institutions of higher education. The supervisory board of the schools will include not only scientists, but also representatives of partner enterprises.

Two-year master's degree programs will be implemented in these schools, candidates will be selected on the basis of manufacturers' orders. In the first year, students will design new products on the orders of enterprises, conduct scientific research and study in in-depth modular programs. In the second year, they will test at enterprises technological processes related to the creation of prototypes of new products.

The President paid attention to the practical applicability and effectiveness of scientific research in higher educational institutions. It was noted that the attention paid to the education system should be really embodied in scientific achievements.

The head of state also familiarized himself with the inventions and advanced developments of researchers. In particular, energy-efficient devices, a cooling system protecting transformers from overheating under load, chemical reagents important for the oil and gas industry, modern approaches in construction, including road construction, engineering projects for hydraulic structures and modern solutions in the field of information technologies were presented.

On 17–19 February, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, will pay a visit to the United States and take part in the inaugural meeting of the Peace Council, a new international body established as a multilateral platform to promote dialogue and the peaceful resolution of pressing global and regional conflicts.

The Peace Council was founded in January 2026 at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where the founding charter was formally signed in a ceremony attended by heads of state and government, as well as representatives of several founding countries.

Launched earlier this year, the initiative has garnered the support of a number of states, including Uzbekistan, which joined as a founding member, thereby reaffirming its commitment to the principles of peaceful diplomacy, multilateral engagement, and shared responsibility for maintaining international stability.

The establishment of the Peace Council represents a logical continuation of the international community’s efforts to develop effective mechanisms for conflict prevention and to seek political and diplomatic solutions to the most acute crises of our time, particularly in the Middle East.

Uzbekistan’s participation in the creation of this structure reflects Tashkent’s consistent foreign policy course aimed at promoting dialogue, respect for international law, and the rejection of force-based scenarios. The country’s position on the Palestinian issue—grounded in support for a just and sustainable peace settlement in accordance with United Nations resolutions—has gained additional international resonance within the framework of this initiative.

The upcoming participation of the Uzbek head of state in the first meeting of the Peace Council also aligns with the recent intensification of Uzbek–American political dialogue. Over the past six months, high-level contacts between Tashkent and Washington have significantly increased, signaling a qualitatively new stage in bilateral relations.

In September of last year, the President of Uzbekistan visited New York to attend a regular session of the United Nations General Assembly, where he held meetings with world leaders and heads of international organizations and discussed key issues on the global and regional agenda.

Further momentum was generated in early November 2025 during the Uzbek President’s working visit to the United States, which included talks with the U.S. President, as well as meetings with representatives of the American establishment, Congress, and business circles. Particular attention during the visit was devoted to strategic partnership, economic cooperation, investment engagement, and regional security, including the “C5+1” format, viewed by both sides as an effective mechanism for coordinating efforts in Central Asia.

Contacts between Tashkent and Washington have been maintained across various channels, including telephone conversations and interagency cooperation. An additional indication of growing mutual trust has been the expansion of economic dialogue and the establishment of new business cooperation platforms, reflecting a shared interest in deepening practical engagement. In the United States, Uzbekistan is increasingly perceived as a reliable, predictable, and responsible partner pursuing a balanced and pragmatic foreign policy.

Uzbekistan’s participation in the Peace Council is thus seen as further evidence of the country’s growing international standing and recognition of its constructive role in global affairs. For Washington, it also confirms that Tashkent is an important partner in advancing initiatives aimed at strengthening peace, security, and sustainable development across Eurasia and beyond.

Amid the intensification of political dialogue, Uzbek–American cooperation continues to expand across key areas. These include collaboration in regional security, support for economic reforms in Uzbekistan, the development of trade and investment, and the deepening of humanitarian and educational ties. Joint projects in energy, digitalization, infrastructure, and human capital development are laying a solid foundation for a long-term partnership.

In sum, the forthcoming participation of the President of Uzbekistan in the inaugural meeting of the Peace Council not only underscores the country’s active role in shaping a new architecture of international dialogue, but also complements the positive trajectory of Uzbek–American relations. The visit to the United States will undoubtedly contribute to elevating interaction between Tashkent and Washington to a stable strategic level, serving the interests of both sides and the broader goal of strengthening peace and stability in the region and worldwide.

«Dunyo» IA

Uzbekistan’s 2030 Strategy is the country’s principal framework for medium- and long-term development. It provides strategic direction for public policy, institutional reform, and socio-economic transformation, while embedding principles of continuity, predictability, and long-term planning at the core of state governance. Since its adoption, the strategy has served as a foundational reference point for the reform agenda, shaping what is often referred to as “New Uzbekistan.”

Over recent years, Uzbekistan has made tangible progress across a wide range of areas, including economic modernisation, public administration reform, judicial reform, the expansion of civic space, and the protection of human rights. These reforms have produced measurable results and have contributed to greater openness and institutional capacity. At the same time, the pace of change—both domestically and globally—has continued to accelerate.

Societal expectations are evolving, economic conditions are becoming more complex, technological change is reshaping governance models, and global geopolitical and economic dynamics are introducing new risks and opportunities. Against this backdrop, updating the Uzbekistan–2030 Strategy is a logical and necessary step to ensure that policy planning remains relevant, responsive, and effective.

At the heart of the revised strategy lies a fundamental principle articulated by the President of Uzbekistan: the state must serve the people, not the other way around. In its updated form, the strategy seeks to translate this principle into practical governance outcomes by reinforcing a development model that is results-oriented, accountable, and centred on human well-being.

Every policy decision and reform priority is assessed through the lens of its impact on citizens’ quality of life, social inclusion, and long-term prosperity. This marks a shift away from abstract targets toward a more outcome-driven approach to public policy.

A key element of the strategy’s refinement is a comprehensive review of progress achieved to date. This includes an honest assessment of remaining challenges and structural bottlenecks, as well as recalibrating performance indicators to enable more precise measurement and evaluation. Each strategic objective is linked to clearly designated responsible institutions, while required financial resources are explicitly identified. This strengthens institutional accountability and moves the strategy from a broad vision to an operational roadmap.

Another defining feature of the updated Uzbekistan–2030 Strategy is its emphasis on clarity and relevance for ordinary citizens. The strategy is being shaped so that people can readily understand how national reforms affect their daily lives—how they improve access to services, create economic opportunities, and enhance prospects for future generations. In this sense, the strategy is intended not as a set of slogans, but as a framework for tangible, lived improvements.

The revised strategy also reflects the need for adaptability. Performance benchmarks are being updated to align with new economic realities, social priorities, technological innovation, and international developments. This ensures that public policy remains flexible and able to respond to change, rather than being constrained by static assumptions.

Digitalisation plays a central role in this process. The monitoring and evaluation of strategy implementation are being fully digitised, enabling greater transparency, evidence-based decision-making, and enhanced public oversight. This approach strengthens trust in public institutions and supports more informed policy adjustments.

Equally important is policy coherence. All sectoral, regional, and thematic development plans are being aligned with the Uzbekistan–2030 Strategy to ensure consistency across government actions. This integrated approach reduces fragmentation and enhances the overall effectiveness of state policy.

Public participation is another core principle. The updated strategy is being developed through broad public consultation, incorporating input from citizens, civil society organisations, experts, and the wider public. This reflects the understanding that reforms are most sustainable and credible when they are shaped with society, rather than imposed upon it.

In conclusion, the ongoing refinement of the Uzbekistan–2030 Strategy represents a structured, transparent, and responsible effort to deepen reforms and adapt them to contemporary realities. Above all, it reaffirms a clear priority: national development is not an end in itself, but a means to improve people's lives and well-being. In this sense, Uzbekistan–2030 is being shaped as a genuinely people-centred roadmap for inclusive and sustainable progress.

Eldor Tulyakov,

Executive Director, Development Strategy Centre

18.9 million of the population of Uzbekistan or 54 percent are young people and children under 30 years of age. 9.5 million of young people are male and 9.4 million are female.

More than 50 laws and regulations were adopted in 2017-2021 in order to strengthen the legal basis of state policy regarding youth in the republic, and June 30 was declared as "Youth Day ".

As a result of the socio-political and economic reforms implemented in our country in recent years, a step has been taken to a completely new level of development. Youth , culture and sports issues was established in the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan , a "Youth Parliament" consisting of 100 active and enterprising young people under the Senate of the Oliy Majlis and 250 active and initiative young people under the Legislative Chamber, a commission on youth issues was established in the Legislative Chamber. 22.9 percent of business entities operating in the republic or 106 thousand 574 of them belong to young people under the age of 30 will come 21.5% of individual entrepreneurs are young people under 30 years old. Also, more than 3.5 thousand young farmers and about 7.8 thousand young craftsmen are working in the country.

In the 2019 elections to the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, 9 (6%) young people were elected as deputies, and 10% of local council deputies are young people.

The "Brave Boy" state award and the "Builder of the Future" medal were established to reward young people between the ages of 14 and under 30, who set an example for their peers with their activity and initiative in the social and political life of the country, as well as who have achieved great achievements in their studies and work. At the core of these practical results are consistent and effective reforms carried out on the basis of the renewed strategy of reforms and the strong will of the head of state regarding youth policy.

The strategic goal of the state youth policy implemented in the republic is to create conditions for every young person to get a free education, to carry out productive work, to realize themselves and to develop creatively, and to raise the level of social life in all aspects , which made it possible to accumulate valuable experience in our country. At this point, it should be emphasized that, along with state organizations, non-governmental organizations operating in our country are actively involved in the search for talented young people and their support. For example, it is important that one of the main directions of the state policy regarding youth is aimed at supporting the talents and abilities of young people. At the same time, in 2019, by a special decree of the President, the "Hope of the Country" fund under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan was established. Thousands of talented young people through educational grants awarded by this foundation

Our country has the opportunity to study in prestigious universities of developed foreign countries and learn advanced foreign experience. In particular, for the 2022-2023 academic year, 420 students and masters received scholarships and grants for studying abroad from the "Hope of the Country" fund. We can see that these practical works are being carried out in accordance with the goals of the development strategy of New Uzbekistan. Because, according to the 50th goal of the development strategy for 2022-2026, through the "Hope of the Country" fund, to double the scope of sending free and creative thinking young people to study at prestigious foreign universities, in which fifty percent of young people are trained in technical, exact sciences and IT fields and conducting open selection contests for bachelor's, master's and doctoral studies in the most prestigious universities of foreign countries, bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs of foreign higher education institutions important goals such as announcing and conducting an open competition were set by the Foundation for the purpose of participation in educational programs. As a result of the practical work carried out by the Foundation, a number of young people have mastered the knowledge and skills required by the times and are applying them to a number of areas of reforms in our country.

One of the urgent tasks of this organization in the fields of education, science, technology, information technology, culture, art, sports, and entrepreneurship, and the tasks of encouraging and supporting their various initiatives.

         As the President of Uzbekistan stated at the Youth Forum of Uzbekistan, "No matter what reforms we try in our country, we will first of all rely on young people like you, on your energy and determination. As you all know, today we have set ourselves huge goals. We have begun to create the foundations of the Third Renaissance in our Motherland. We consider the family, pre-school education, school and higher education as well as scientific and cultural centers to be the most important links of the Renaissance. For this reason, we are implementing fundamental reforms in these areas. I believe that in creating a new foundation for the development of our country, you, our devoted and patriotic youth, will actively participate and make a worthy contribution."

In the "New Development Strategy of Uzbekistan", which serves as a unique road map of the renewed reforms aimed at realizing the potential of such determined young people.

One of the priority directions of the state policy regarding youth in our country is the issue of ensuring youth employment, providing them with education, and training them in the profession. During the meeting with young people within the framework of the 2021 Youth Forum, the head of state asked for new and very relevant proposals in this regard. In particular, from now on, governors of regions, districts and cities, ministers and responsible leaders should hold regular meetings with young people, governors should develop and implement "road maps " aimed at solving the problems of young people, and report to local councils on this issue every six months. it was decided to give and determine the plans for the next six months.

An important initiative was put forward at the forum, such as the organization of vocational and entrepreneurship training for unemployed and unorganized youth within the framework of the "Youth: 1+1" program. Based on the principle "Each entrepreneur helps young people", the initiative to connect one unemployed youth to one entrepreneur was actively supported by many of our entrepreneurs. The head of state approved this noble action, which can provide employment to at least 500,000 young people.

         Within the framework of this initiative, during the past period, a number of activities have been carried out to train young people, provide them with jobs, and direct them to entrepreneurship, so that the level of unemployment among young people is significantly decreasing.

In this place, in the following years, in order to further accelerate youth reforms, including reducing unemployment, further expanding the scope of vocational training, and providing comprehensive support to talented young people, with the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers dated January 18, 2021 "A youth-oriented state in Uzbekistan Policy Development until 2025" Concept was approved. According to it, as a result of the statements of the state policy on youth, opportunities will be created to further strengthen the economic potential of the country and to widely apply advanced practices.

And also it is expected that by 2030, Uzbekistan will be among the first 30 advanced countries of the world according to the PISA (The Program for International Student Assessment) rating .

At the same time, adaptation of educational programs to international standards (PISA, STEAM), coverage of children in pre-school educational institutions, youth comprehensive schools and higher educational institutions will be gradually increased due to the expansion of opportunities for non-state educational institutions. In particular, 80 percent of children under 3-7 years of age in the republic are enrolled in pre-school education organizations.

To increase the cultural level of young people, the number of libraries, theaters, cinemas, museums, parks and other cultural institutions will be gradually increased, and the capacity of sports facilities will be increased by 30% by creating conditions for young people to engage in mass sports.

Conditions will be created for youth to engage in public sports in neighborhoods; IT-parks will be established in all regions, Digital technology training centers will be established in districts (cities), about 200,000 young people will be trained on the basis of the "One million Uzbek programmers" project.

Conditions will be created for young people to use high-quality, fast and cheap Internet services, provision of double growth of communication and information services will be the most important results of the "Youth of Uzbekistan - 2025" concept.

         In conclusion, it can be said that by 2030, our country will become one of the "countries with an income above the average", the country's gross domestic product will exceed four thousand dollars per capita, and our economy will double from its current state. The effective implementation of the concept "Youth of Uzbekistan - 2025", which is an important legal basis, is of great importance. The fact that young people of any country have intellectual potential, knowledge and modern profession remains an important factor of the country's development.

Asrorjon Sattorov,

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