Uzbekistan: the fight against corruption is a continuous process

📅 24.06.2024

Uzbekistan has been undergoing a transformational journey since it changed political leadership in 2016. The nation is implementing extensive reforms aimed at spanning anti-corruption measures, business climate enhancements, judicial reforms, improving labour conditions, administrative efficiency, protection of human rights, and good governance.

Central to these reforms is a comprehensive anti-corruption agenda bolstered by strong laws and strategic plans. Reforms have targeted diverse sectors, with a focus on improving public administration, ensuring quality public services and information access, and overhauling the judiciary. Over the recent years Uzbekistan has made significant efforts to help its people feel confident that leaders in the national public and private sectors operate in a transparent and ethical way.

As we know, international standards in this area focus on the following elements, which are intended to increase effectiveness of prevention and combating corruption:

• Imposing additional restrictions for civil servants;
• Increasing transparency in the private sector, e.g. identifying beneficial owners;
• Strengthening the role of financial intelligence units in combating corruption;
• Strengthening corporate and individual liability for corruption offences;
• Supporting collective action initiatives.

In line with the abovementioned standards, since the adoption of the law on anti-corruption in 2017, Uzbekistan has doubled its efforts to prevent corruption in the public sector and has widened international cooperation to achieve this end. Since coming to power in 2016, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has taken steps to liberalise the Uzbek economy and denounce corruption.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has begun liberalising the economy, which has started to attract significant investments from China and the EU and contributed to Uzbekistan’s strong economic growth. In particular, Presidential Decree of 2017 took steps to tackle the shadow economy by permitting the free purchase and sale of currency and the use of international mechanisms to set currency conversion rates. This decree eradicated the decades old “black market” where the difference between actual and official conversion rates was around 50%.

In 2020, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev established a new Anti-Corruption Agency via President Decree No.6013 and launched a mandatory online public procurement platform. The Anti-Corruption Agency is tasked with studying researching corruption, engaging with civil society, and enhancing transparency.

The number of arrests and prosecutions of public officials for corruption has increased. According to Prosecutor General’s Office, for example in 2022, there were a total of 3,116 convictions of public officials, of which 110 officials were from the national agencies, 264 from provincial agencies and 2,742 from city and district state bodies. The majority of these cases related to embezzlement (2,103), abuse of position (265), fraud (243) and bribery (169).

The fight against corruption has become a priority area of state policy in Uzbekistan. This can be seen in the conceptual regulatory acts adopted in recent years in this area, on the example of administrative reforms aimed at preventing corruption. The country has established an effective mechanism of countering corruption, including efficient normative-legal base and institutional foundations. More than 70 regulatory acts aimed at combating corruption in all sectors of state and public construction have served as a solid basis for the implementation of these reforms.

The Law on Combating Corruption, adopted in 2017 soon after Mirziyoyev came to power, is the main legal basis for countering corruption in Uzbekistan. The law requires state employees to inform their supervisors about corruption offences they may be directly or indirectly involved in and is meant to ensure protection for whistleblowers. Further, the law grants media outlets the right to request information on corruption offences from state agencies. It also envisages the mandatory examination of regulations being drafted by ministries and other state agencies to ensure they do not create new opportunities for corruption.

Information on state procurement is posted on the website www.d.xarid.uz. The open data portal (data.gov.uz), the registered database of legal entities and commercial entities (my.gov.uz) and other platforms play an important role today in ensuring the principles of openness and transparency and public control, which are the most effective tools for combating and preventing corruption. Licensing and permitting procedures have also been radically improved to completely improve the business and investment climate, remove unnecessary bureaucratic barriers and outdated regulations.

According to the National Database of Legislation of the Republic of Uzbekistan, other important legislative acts in the area of anti-corruption include:

• the Constitution (last amended in May 2023)
• the Criminal Code
• the Law on public civil service
• the Law on public procurement
• the Law on public-private partnerships
• the Law on distributing legal aid information and ensuring access to it
• the Law on the openness of state authorities and administration
• the Law on e-government
• the Law on public control
• the Law on countering legalisation of income derived from criminal activities, financing of terrorism and financing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (last amended in January 2019), which provides a legal framework for anti-money laundering.

The Civil Service Law, which entered into force in 2022, forbids civil servants from accepting gifts, from engaging in business activities and from opening foreign bank accounts or purchasing real estate abroad. It also introduces a system of mandatory declaration of civil servants' assets and income.

Under Article 7 of the 2017 Law on Combating Corruption, state agencies responsible for implementing the law on combating corruption include the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) established in 2020, General Prosecutor’s Office, the State Security Service, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, and the Department on Fighting Economic Crime under the General Prosecutor’s Office.

There is also a National Council on Combating Corruption and its territorial bodies that aim to coordinate the efforts of all the relevant institutions and develop state anti-corruption programmes. The ACA serves as the working body of the Council, which is headed by the Chair of the Senate. The ACA has a preventive mandate authorising it to request state agencies to provide documentation on their expenditure of public funds, sales of state assets and public procurement as well as on their investment projects and implementation of state programmes. It can also consider appeals of citizens and legal entities on corruption issues and conduct administrative investigations into corruption offences, the results of which should then be shared with law enforcement bodies.

Uzbekistan is a signatory to the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) as well as to the Istanbul Anti-Corruption Action Plan, which is the main subregional initiative in the framework of the OECD Anti-Corruption Network for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (ACN). Uzbekistan has recently become a member of the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities.

It should be emphasised that each regulatory legal act in Uzbekistan is being developed based on the principle – “legislation free from corruption”, systemic preventive measures in the practice of combating corruption are being strengthened, and the public oversight is supported by establishing interaction mechanisms with civil society institutions.

The mentioned and other measures have contributed to improving the fight against corruption in the country. This has also been evidenced in better positions of the country in international rankings. According to international governance indices, Uzbekistan has been improving its efforts to curb corruption. In recent years the country improved its ranking Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by 42 positions. In 2023 alone the country improved its ranking there by 5 positions.

To sum up, we can conclude that Uzbekistan’s path towards creating effective financial, legal and institutional mechanisms of countering corruption has given its results. Although, it should also me noted that fighting against corruption is not merely a task for several years. It is an ongoing process and the government of Uzbekistan remains committed to take new steps for ensuring the success of its anti-corruption reforms in line with the international standards in this field.

 

Nilufar Doniyorkhodjaeva

Head of Department

Development Strategy Center

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Tashkent hosts the 8th Central Asian Expert Forum

📅 13.08.2025

On August 14-15, 2025, the VIII Central Asian Expert Forum (CAEF) will be held in Tashkent under the title “Central Asia – a common space of trust, security and sustainable development”.

Established in 2018, the CAEF is held annually in the country chairing the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia. The forum serves as an important platform for discussing the current state and prospects of regional cooperation, as well as developing recommendations for the further development of cooperation in Central Asia.

The Forum is organized by the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (ISRS). Event partners include the Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, the European Union Delegation to Uzbekistan and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

The Forum will traditionally bring together heads and specialists of strategic institutes, research centers, and academic institutions from across the region. For the first time, prominent experts from the EU, ASEAN, the Nordic Council, as well as researchers from the Russian Federation, the USA, Great Britain, Switzerland and Azerbaijan have been invited to participate in its work in order to exchange experience in regional studies.

The Forum’s program will focus on prospects for deepening regional cooperation and explore specific measures to promote multifaceted collaboration.

In addition, the Forum will feature separate events: a scientific-practical conference on shaping regional identity and a roundtable discussing prospects for partnership between Central Asia and Northern Europe.

 

The upcoming expert dialogue is expected to identify common interests and outline priorities for Central Asia’s future development. The resulting recommendations will enrich the agenda of the forthcoming Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, scheduled to take place this year in Uzbekistan.

Transforming the Aral Sea region into a global hub for climate technologies: green energy, water-saving innovations, and opportunities for international partnership

📅 08.10.2025

Introduction: The Significance of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s participation in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly

The participation of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) this September held profound political and historic significance not only for our country but for the entire region. Speaking from this prestigious platform, which gathers heads of state from across the globe, Uzbekistan raised critical issues including sustainable development, combating climate change, ensuring food security, and the efficient management of water resources.

Through his address at the United Nations, a premier global institution, our President further solidified Uzbekistan’s international standing and reputation as a proactive and responsible state. Notably, by showcasing the ecological and innovative initiatives being implemented in the Aral Sea region, Uzbekistan demonstrated its openness to global cooperation in addressing pressing environmental challenges.

Another significant aspect of this participation is the integration of Uzbekistan’s international environmental initiatives into the global political agenda, highlighting the Aral Sea region as an open platform for advancing climate technologies.

During the visit, the initiatives concerning the Aral Sea region received significant attention from the international community.

During his address at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, our President paid special attention to the environmental disaster in the Aral Sea region and the ongoing initiatives aimed at mitigating its consequences. This issue has garnered significant focus from the international community, reaffirming that the Aral Sea crisis is recognized not only as a regional challenge but also as a global environmental concern.

Uzbekistan’s initiative to transform the Aral Sea region into a hub of sustainable development and innovation has received strong support from international partners. In particular, significant opportunities were highlighted for implementing joint projects in areas such as green energy, water-saving technologies, ecotourism, and the restoration of biodiversity.

Thus, the raising of the Aral Sea issue on the prestigious platform of the United Nations during the visit served as a significant political and practical foundation for strengthening global cooperation and attracting increased attention from international donors and organizations.

Transforming the Aral Sea region into a hub for global climate technologies.

The challenges arising from the desiccation of the Aral Sea serve as a profound lesson for the entire world. In response, Uzbekistan aims to transform the Aral Sea region into a “global laboratory” by implementing advanced practices in green energy, water-saving technologies, biodiversity restoration, and climate change adaptation.

Such an approach not only addresses regional challenges but also offers an effective model for the international community. The projects being implemented in the Aral Sea region can subsequently serve as a replicable framework for other areas facing the impacts of climate change.

On May 18, 2021, during the 75th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, our President put forward the initiative to designate the Aral Sea region as a hub for ecological innovations and technologies. This proposal received enthusiastic support from the United Nations and the international community, and was unanimously adopted by all member states during the General Assembly plenary session. This resolution underscores Uzbekistan’s consistent and steadfast commitment to addressing the Aral Sea crisis and mitigating associated risks through a principled and effective approach.

The Aral disaster and its lessons for humanity.

The Aral Sea disaster is recognized worldwide as one of the greatest environmental catastrophes in human history. Once the fourth-largest lake in the world by surface area, the Aral Sea has almost completely dried up over the past half-century. This tragic development has dealt a severe blow to the regional climate, biodiversity, public health, and economy.

The drying up of the Aral Sea stands as a vivid example of human intervention that was not in harmony with nature. Excessive and inefficient use of water in irrigation, coupled with ineffective irrigation systems and planning errors, led to this major environmental disaster.

This tragedy underscored the necessity for humanity to use natural resources efficiently and wisely, highlighting the importance of developing water supply and agriculture solely based on sustainable technologies. At the same time, it clearly demonstrated that ensuring environmental security requires global solidarity and close international cooperation.

The imperative of sustainable development in the region.

The Aral Sea region today represents one of the most critical challenges for environmental, social, and economic sustainability in Uzbekistan and the broader Central Asian region. The limitations of natural resources, issues related to water supply, ongoing desertification processes, and declining living standards underscore the urgent need to implement a comprehensive sustainable development strategy in this area.

The necessity for sustainable development in the Aral Sea region is grounded in several key factors. Primarily, environmental security remains a pressing concern: frequent dust storms, soil degradation, and the loss of biodiversity pose direct threats to public health and the quality of life. Additionally, economic considerations are paramount, as the modernization of agriculture — the main source of income for the local population — requires the adoption of water-saving and innovative technologies.

Ensuring social sustainability requires a comprehensive set of measures aimed at creating new employment opportunities, increasing household incomes, and mitigating the risks of environmental migration. Furthermore, given that the challenges in the Aral Sea region transcend regional boundaries and hold global significance, addressing them necessitates reliance on international cooperation and partnership.

Opportunities of the Aral Sea region as an international innovation hub and platform for cooperation.

It is widely recognized that Uzbekistan has undertaken extensive and positive national efforts to combat the adverse environmental and public health impacts caused by the drying up of the Aral Sea. Since the early years of independence, the population of the White Aral Sea region has consistently felt the substantial support of the Uzbek government. The Government of Uzbekistan remains committed to paying continuous attention to the social welfare of the communities residing in the Aral Sea area.

Today, the Aral Sea region serves as an international innovation hub, playing a crucial role in promoting sustainable development in an area severely affected by ecological crisis. Through scientific, innovative, and practical projects, the center actively advances comprehensive work in key sectors including environmental protection, water resource management, agricultural technologies, energy, climate adaptation, and international cooperation.

In order to enhance the activities of the Center and further develop ecological and innovative technologies in the Aral Sea region, the Aral Sea International Innovation Center was transferred under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in accordance with Presidential Decree No. PQ-171 dated May 31, 2023.

In accordance with Presidential Decree No. PQ-5202 dated July 29, 2021, a modern laboratory, business accelerator training center, and technopark building, valued at 12.4 billion Uzbek soms, were completed and commissioned in 2024 within the Center’s premises. The laboratory is equipped with a plant seed gene bank and serves as a crucial scientific and innovative platform for preserving biodiversity in the region, protecting both native and introduced species, and achieving high efficiency in agricultural practices.

Currently, efforts are underway to commence full-scale operations at the facility, enrich the gene bank with an extensive seed collection, organize scientific research, and enhance the expertise of local specialists. This initiative not only supports sustainable agricultural development in Uzbekistan but also plays a crucial role in ensuring food security amid climate change and advancing international scientific cooperation across the entire Central Asian region.

Over the past period, the Center has established effective cooperation with a range of international and local organizations, as well as research institutes, in conducting scientific research and implementing projects. In particular, agreements and memoranda of understanding have been signed with over 70 foreign and domestic entities. Currently, 20 scientific-practical and innovative projects with a total value of 23.9 billion Uzbek soms are being carried out. These projects encompass alternative green energy, aquaculture, intensive horticulture, medicinal plant cultivation, resource-saving technologies, and social programs.

The Center’s activities are primarily focused on improving the living standards of the population, introducing and developing salt- and drought-tolerant crops, and implementing resource-efficient technologies. At the same time, it carries out scientific-practical and innovative initiatives aimed at restoring ecosystems, preserving biodiversity, and enhancing the quality of life in collaboration with leading international organizations. Among these partners are the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA, UAE), the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (China), the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and other prestigious institutions.

The “Samanbay” (24.3 hectares) scientific-production site in Nukus district and the “Moynoq” (106 hectares) site in Moynoq district serve as the primary experimental and testing bases of the Center. At these sites, experimental research and monitoring activities are being conducted in cooperation with foreign and local organizations. Additionally, the Center hosts joint laboratories established in partnership with international collaborators, as well as its own in vitro, soil, water, and plant biotechnology laboratories. These infrastructures support the deepening of scientific research carried out in the experimental fields and enhance the effectiveness of ongoing studies.

Each of the ongoing projects is aimed at creating long-term solutions for the Aral Sea region. Thanks to its innovative approach and international cooperation, the Aral Sea International Innovation Center is gradually becoming the primary platform in Central Asia for scientific research, technological development, and sustainable development.

In its future plans, the Aral Sea International Innovation Center aims to ensure environmental sustainability by implementing innovative eco-technologies, including desertification control measures and smart agriculture solutions.

Simultaneously, to strengthen scientific research activities, plans have been made to establish modern laboratories, a business accelerator, a training center, a technopark, experimental sites, and data analysis centers.

The Center aims to implement large-scale joint projects by further expanding cooperation with international organizations. Additionally, one of the Center’s priority directions is developing programs focused on fostering innovative ideas, creating startups, and enhancing professional skills for farmers, entrepreneurs, local communities, youth, and women.

Conclusion

The Strategic significance of the initiative to transform the Aral Sea region into a global hub for climate technologies.

The initiative to transform the Aral Sea region into a global hub for climate technologies holds strategic significance not only on a regional scale but also worldwide. Its core essence lies in ensuring environmental sustainability, conserving water resources, mitigating desertification processes, and restoring biodiversity.

At the same time, the introduction of solar and wind energy, modern irrigation systems, and innovative technologies will open broad avenues for the development of a green economy in the region. This initiative will strengthen cooperation with international organizations such as the United Nations and the Green Climate Fund, creating new employment opportunities for the local population and enhancing overall prosperity.

Most importantly, the Aral Sea region’s experience will serve as an effective model in addressing climate change and water resource challenges on a global scale in the future.

 

Director of the Aral Sea International Innovation Centre under the Ministry of Ecology, Environmental Protection and Climate Change of the Republic of Uzbekistan

B.S.Khabibullaev

Press and media workers

📅 26.06.2024

President of Mongolia to pay state visit to Uzbekistan

📅 22.06.2024

At the invitation of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Mongolia Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh will pay a state visit to our country on June 23-26.

In accordance with the program of the high-ranking guest's stay, it is envisaged to hold high-level talks in Tashkent, during which issues of further expansion and strengthening of Uzbek-Mongolian relations of friendship and multifaceted cooperation will be considered.

In particular, the agenda includes plans to develop constructive political dialogue and inter-parliamentary contacts, increase bilateral trade turnover, implement cooperation projects in mining, agriculture, livestock, light industry, healthcare, transport, logistics and other areas. Joint measures aimed at boosting cultural, humanitarian and tourist ties will also be discussed. There will be an exchange of views on international issues.

A package of intergovernmental and interdepartmental documents will be signed following the results of the summit.

As part of the program of the state visit, the leaders of the two countries will meet with representatives of leading companies and business circles, and a number of other bilateral events will be held.

Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh will also visit Khiva, where he will familiarize himself with the rich cultural and historical heritage of our people.

Further tasks for the development of competition were discussed

📅 06.08.2024

On August 5, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev familiarized himself with the presentation of measures aimed at developing competition.

The ongoing efforts to reduce the state presence in the economy and curb large monopolies have a positive impact on the competitive environment. In particular, over the last five years the competitive environment has improved in more than 25 goods. Exclusive rights that restricted competition in 7 types of activities have been abolished. The number of enterprises with state participation decreased by 42 percent, while the number of private business entities increased by 1.6 times.

Last year the Law "On Competition" was adopted in a new version. The Committee for Competition Development and Consumer Protection was given additional effective powers. According to the studies conducted on this basis, in some organizations there are such phenomena as anticompetitive decision-making, direct contracts, use of dominant position in trade.

In this regard, a Competition Development Framework has been developed to enhance the coverage and effectiveness of competition in this area. This concept defines further tasks to reduce government involvement in the economy, liberalize market access and create a level playing field for entrepreneurs.

Thus, it is planned to abolish regulations and redundant requirements that impede the free access of business entities to markets. It is envisaged to introduce relaxations aimed at reducing the regulatory burden, in particular, permitting procedures and licenses will be replaced by compulsory liability insurance.

Independent market regulators will be introduced in the spheres of natural monopolies. The participation of natural monopoly entities will be limited in commodity markets related to natural monopolies and where there is an opportunity to develop competition.

The scale of direct public procurement will be reduced, and it will be completely switched to competitive methods. It is envisaged to abolish the provision of state aid of an individual nature that restricts competition, including exclusive rights, privileges, preferences and relaxations.

By means of mutual integration of information systems of state bodies, digital monitoring of all links in the chain of pricing of socially important products will be established. A system of non-disclosure and encouragement of persons who have provided information on cases of anticompetitive agreements and actions, collusions will be introduced.

In general, as a result of the implementation of this concept, measures will be taken to gradually eliminate 17 types of state monopoly in a number of areas, such as energy, oil and gas sector, water management, road construction, railroad and airport services. Anti-competitive actions in public procurement will be curbed and transparency of these processes will be ensured. Commodity exchanges will increase supply and expand the choice opportunities for buyers.

The President gave additional instructions to continue work in this area, to ensure free market principles, and to develop entrepreneurship. The need to reduce the state's share in the economy and to gradually transfer certain functions to the private sector was emphasized. The task has been set to constantly analyze the state of competition on commodity, financial and digital markets and to make proposals to improve procedures.

Over the last three years, over 2,000 acts contradicting the competition law have been identified locally. In most cases, these are documents of local khokimiyats and ministries. In this regard, it was noted that it is necessary to intensify the work of territorial departments of the Committee for Competition Development and improve the qualification of personnel.

It was also pointed out the importance of increasing openness and strengthening the work on publicizing the activities of the Committee. It was emphasized that this is important to prevent violations of the law and to create a transparent environment.

By the end of the year, 50 thousand people will be covered by the dual education system in Uzbekistan

📅 21.08.2024

Starting from the 2021/2022 academic year, the dual education system, which has proven effective in the German education system, was introduced in Uzbekistan. This new form of education allows young people to apply theoretical knowledge obtained in educational institutions in practice simultaneously.
Initially, the legal basis for introducing and improving this form of education in Uzbekistan was created. The Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On Education" (No. ORQ-637) dated September 23, 2020, Article 15, specifies dual education as a separate form of education. Article 17 of the same law defines dual education as follows:
"Dual education is aimed at providing learners with the necessary knowledge, skills, and competencies, with the theoretical part taking place in educational institutions and the practical part at the learner's workplace."
Additionally, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan has paid attention to the systematic development of the dual education system based on German experience. In particular, the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On Measures for the Development of Education, Science, and Innovation in the New Period of Development of Uzbekistan" (No. PF-6108) dated November 6, 2020, stipulated the introduction of practice-oriented educational programs in vocational educational institutions starting from the 2021/2022 academic year.
As a result, new mechanisms for training competitive personnel have been introduced in Uzbekistan by organizing education in harmony with labor activities for specific job positions in the economic sectors and companies (organizations), based on the real needs of the labor market.
In collaboration with experts from the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), specific rules and procedures for organizing dual education have been developed. The Cabinet of Ministers' Resolution No. 163 dated March 29, 2021, "On Measures to Organize Dual Education in the Vocational Education System," was adopted.
This resolution approved the regulation on organizing dual education in the vocational education system, consisting of four chapters. Currently, students are admitted to dual education programs based on the requirements of this regulation. In the initial year, more than 2,000 students were admitted to colleges and technical schools for dual education in fields such as preschool education, railways, and construction. The demand for mid-level specialists prepared through this form of education has led to the expansion of dual education.
Employers now have the opportunity to select and hire the best specialists in this education system. In the 2022/2023 academic year, nearly 45,000 young people were admitted to vocational educational institutions for dual education. In addition to the previously mentioned fields, dual education has been introduced in information technology, light industry, agriculture, and services.
Currently, about 13,000 students are receiving dual education in 234 vocational educational institutions across Uzbekistan. These students are supervised by 3,144 qualified mentors from companies and organizations, who develop their practical skills directly at the workplace.
Moreover, dual education is particularly prominent in areas such as automotive technical service, agriculture, preschool education, light industry, and services. Over 3,600 companies and organizations in Uzbekistan participate in dual education.
For instance, the Asaka Agrotechnology Technical School in Andijan region has established cooperation with "UzAvto Motors" JSC, a major automobile manufacturer in Uzbekistan, for training mid-level specialists through dual education. As a result, more than 500 students are being trained in specialties such as "Welding Technology and Equipment," "Automobile Assembly and Testing," "Mechanical Engineering Technology," and "Automobile Technical Service and Repair."
In recent years, significant work has been done to develop the vocational education system in Uzbekistan with foreign partners such as the European Union, German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), UNESCO, and the Swiss Embassy in Uzbekistan.
For example, two technical schools in the agricultural sector received four tractors, 42 relevant technical equipment, 72 computers, and two refrigerators for storing agricultural products, with a total value of $700,000.
Additionally, 15 pilot educational institutions selected by GIZ were equipped with sewing machine sets (21 sewing machines, 6 overlocks, 6 interlocks, 3 zigzags, 3 embroidery machines), 9 cutting tables, ironing equipment, and 3 multifunctional digital "smartboards." The Almazor Light Industry College was equipped with modern equipment for a practice room in the "Computer-Aided Design" (CAD) direction, including 12 special tablets for designing and modeling, 12 computers, 1 presentation screen, and 1 plotter.
Furthermore, 109 pedagogical staff members were trained in Germany and Switzerland. Additionally, 750 teachers were trained in entrepreneurial skills based on German methodology with the support of German foreign donors.
Under the GIZ "Vocational Education for Economic Growth in Central Asia (PECA V)" grant project, six pilot educational institutions were selected for training mid-level specialists in the fields of bread, bakery, confectionery, and pasta production, as well as logistics.
Within this project, the material and technical base of the Yangiyul Agrotechnology Technical School, Samarkand Tourism and Service Technical School, Tashkent State Agrarian University, and Bukhara Engineering Technology Institute were strengthened.
Equipment for 34 items was delivered to the Yangiyul Agrotechnology and Samarkand Tourism and Service Technical Schools.
In collaboration with Germany, 70 modular education programs for dual education have been developed. Additionally, the "Concept for the Introduction and Further Development of Dual Education in Uzbekistan" and a "Guide for Developing Educational Standards Based on Professional Standards for Dual Education" were prepared.
To ensure that graduates of vocational educational institutions are self-employed in the future, i.e., set up their own businesses, it is crucial to teach them and introduce new methodologies into the educational process. In this regard, the "Basics of Business" subject was developed in collaboration with the German "German Sparkassenstiftung for International Cooperation" organization and introduced into practice.
Moreover, to increase the attractiveness of the vocational education system in Uzbekistan and to provide students with in-depth foreign language training, one of the priority directions is to ensure the competitiveness of mid-level specialists in the domestic and foreign labor markets.
In particular, one-year special German language courses were organized in 33 vocational educational institutions. Currently, 773 students in technical schools in the medical field are being taught in these German language courses.
A one-year program for teaching German was developed and introduced into these courses based on advanced German experience and methodologies. To provide students with educational materials, 6,000 copies of modern textbooks for levels A1, A2, B1, and B2 were purchased from Germany and delivered to educational institutions based on the recommendations of the Goethe Institute.
The system for training professional and qualified mid-level specialists for state-significant sectors and industrial enterprises is being systematically improved by providing the labor market in Uzbekistan with mid-level specialists with modern professional skills.
The Presidential Decree No. PQ-200 dated July 3, 2023, "On Measures for the Effective Organization of State Management in Higher Education, Science, and Innovation within the Framework of Administrative Reforms," stipulated the introduction of a system for year-round admission of students to dual education in vocational educational institutions based on the orders of companies and organizations. This has given a significant impetus to the development of this form of education.
Additionally, due to the increasing demand for mid-level specialists in job positions created based on regional socio-economic development programs, the need arose to organize year-round dual education in vocational educational institutions based on the orders of organizations.
The Cabinet of Ministers' Resolution No. 647 dated December 7, 2023, "On Amendments and Additions to Certain Resolutions of the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Connection with the Introduction of a System for Year-Round Admission of Students to Dual Education in Vocational Educational Institutions," created the opportunity to organize year-round dual education in vocational educational institutions based on the orders of organizations.
Despite the fact that only two months have passed since the adoption of this resolution, more than 750 students have already been admitted to dual education based on the existing needs of over 20 companies.
Furthermore, from now on, free short-term advanced training courses will be organized annually for the voluntary improvement of the pedagogical skills of mentors assigned from organizations to dual education.
Additionally, by the 2024/2025 academic year, an electronic platform will be created to determine the current and prospective needs of the labor market for mid-level specialists. An electronic system for signing contracts between organizations willing to train mid-level specialists and vocational educational institutions will be introduced.
As a result of the reforms implemented to develop the dual education system in Uzbekistan, the coverage of dual education will reach 50,000 students by the end of this year. Furthermore, by the beginning of the new academic year, 100 professions will be selected, and professional standards will be developed based on the experiences of Germany, Switzerland, and Great Britain. The demand for professions will be aligned with the needs of employers.

Utkirjon Alijonov
Head of the Department for the Development
of the Vocational Education System,
Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation

AMIR TEMUR AND DIPLOMACY

📅 20.03.2026

Amir Temur occupies a place in world history not only as a great commander and statesman who built a powerful and prosperous state. The great ruler turned his capital, Samarkand, into one of the cultural, architectural, scientific and spiritual centers of the world.

Therefore, the study of Amir Temur's exemplary life and statecraft, the history of his reign, the study of science and culture in it, as one of the major scientific directions of historiography, has always been and remains the focus of attention of world scientists, heads of state, and politicians. Also, sources on the history of the Timurids have been translated into various languages and scientific research has been carried out worldwide.

The number of publications on the study of the era of Amir Temur is increasing day by day in world historiography. Ultimately, an independent scientific direction of "Temur studies" has been formed in world social science.

Today, no one doubts the immeasurable contribution of Amir Temur and the Temurid dynasty to the development of world civilization, to the sharp rise in the scientific, political-legal, spiritual-ideal, cultural and intellectual level of humanity. It should be noted that the Timurid Renaissance was recognized by the whole world. The fact that the French scientist Vincent Fournier was the first to use the phrase "Temurid Renaissance" is evidence of this.

The world community recognizes the Timurid era as an era that was reflected in the development of science, culture, art and literature, as well as great discoveries and inventions, and our people as a people who have founded the Renaissance twice so far. That is, it is commendable that our people rightfully belong to the small number of "peoples who were able to create a Renaissance" in the full sense of the word.

In this sense, it is considered that there is every reason to believe that the efforts of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to create a new Renaissance in New Uzbekistan, that is, the foundation of the Third Renaissance, through large-scale democratic changes in our country, including reforms in the fields of science and education, will yield the expected results.

One of the greatest services of the Leader of the Nation to our people is the restoration of the dignity and broken national pride of our people, who have lost hope in their own country, who have lost hope in a prosperous and good life, and who have lost faith in the future, the formation of a consciousness specific to New Uzbekistan, the subsequent elevation of their spirits, and the return of respect for spiritual and educational values ​​and historical figures.

At a new stage of the development of the Republic of Uzbekistan, along with radical renewal and improvement in every sphere of the state and society, comprehensive measures are being implemented to strengthen national statehood, establish a stable track and develop the political, legal, economic and social life of our country.

In particular, in historiography, a wide path has been opened for studying the history of our ancestors, giving them a correct and objective scientific assessment, and on this basis restoring our national values. Because, as the President of Uzbekistan emphasized: “We have a great history that is worth admiring. We have great ancestors that are worth admiring.”

 

Amir Temur: "I declare peace and tranquility!"

 

At the current stage of the development of new Uzbekistan, it is very important that the period of Uzbek diplomacy from ancient times to the present day - the formation and development of independent Uzbek diplomacy - is comprehensively and systematically studied. In particular, the book "History of Uzbek diplomacy", published in 2022, is the VII volume of the "History of Uzbekistan" multi-volume work. The book is a practical response to the proposals made by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at a meeting with Uzbek diplomats in January 2018.

The publication of a book on the history of Uzbek diplomacy is a major political event. As the head of our state noted, "our national statehood has a history of several thousand years and a rich culture. Therefore, diplomatic relations also go back to the deepest layers of our history. This fact is widely recognized not only by our country, but also by scientists from around the world."

One of the most striking qualities of our great ancestor, Sahibkiran Amir Temur, is that six centuries ago he deeply understood that the development of mutually beneficial cooperation between states, the strengthening of friendship and solidarity between distant and close peoples was an important factor in ensuring the prospects of his empire. Therefore, he carried out great works that served to connect Europe and Asia. On the one hand, he established contacts with China, India, on the other hand, France, Spain, England and other countries and sought to strengthen these relations.

As recognized on a scientific basis by our country's scientists and foreign experts, Amir Temur also left a deep mark in history as the most skillful diplomat of his time. As a great statesman, Sahibkiran skillfully combined the peaceful path of diplomacy and military measures in achieving his goals.

The great empire built by Amir Temur since that time has attracted not only neighboring countries and their kings, but also rulers of distant lands. Historical documents indicate that from the 70s of the 14th century, representatives of European countries came to Transoxiana and were seriously interested in the power and potential of the new, independent state here.

Sahibkiran, in turn, especially after the formation of a powerful empire, established active diplomatic relations with almost all major states of that time and their rulers. He sent his ambassadors to various countries, as well as received foreign ambassadors sent to him.

Amir Temur sent ambassadors to the court of Don Enrique III of Castile and Leon (in some sources - King Henry III of Spain), the ruler of France Charles VI (in some sources - Charles VI), and the king of England Henry IV, who, in turn, received ambassadors from Spain, France, England, China and a number of others - a total of more than 20 foreign states - in his capital Samarkand, which clearly confirms this idea.

According to historical sources, on July 28, 1402, the Ambassadors of King Don Enrique III of Castile and Leon, who were present at the presence of Amir Temur, included Payo de Soto Mayor and Hernan Sanchez de Palazuelos. When the time came for the ambassadors to return, Sahibkiran sent one of the capable beys, Muhammad Keshi, with letters and gifts to Castile as an Ambassador with them, in order to further strengthen relations between the two states. Muhammad Keshi arrived there safely and handed over the letters and gifts to Don Enrique III.

It is known that Amir Temur recruited Nasaf and Kesh scholars, capable individuals knowledgeable in religious and secular sciences, and proficient in foreign languages ​​to his palace. They performed various duties, including the duties of Ambassador. For example, Muhammad Keshi lived in Spain for some time as Sahibqiran's ambassador, while Maulana Abdullah Keshi was sent by Amir Temur as an ambassador to Faraj, the Sultan of Egypt.

Amir Temur usually sent Christian leaders to European countries as ambassadors. Of the Muslim diplomats, only Muhammad Keshi managed to go to Europe. This also indicates his ability, knowledge of several languages, probably one of the European languages.

At that time, the fame of Amir Temur had spread throughout Europe. Therefore, Muhammad Keshi was received with great respect by the King of Castile, Don Enrique III. He attended receptions at the Royal Palace and in the palaces of the great nobles. The King accompanied him to Samarkand with his ambassadors, led by Rui Gonzalez de Clavijo, and respectfully escorted him.

One of the distinctive features of Amir Temur's diplomacy was that in all his addresses, even in letters written in the form of strict demands, he adhered to the etiquette of Eastern diplomacy. It is not difficult to learn from historical letters that have survived from those times that Sahibkiran always responded to the letters of the rulers of some countries, written in a rude manner, sometimes with anger and ignorance, expressing his opinion clearly, with culture and decency. The fact that Amir Temur's letter to the French King Charles VI contains the words "I declare peace and tranquility!" clearly confirms this.

 

Diplomatic correspondence of Amir Temur

 

The correspondence that has survived from that time to the present clearly testifies to the skillful diplomatic activity of Amir Temur and the Temurids. Currently, 4 letters are kept in the National Archives of France:

the first is the original copy of Amir Temur's letter to the French King Charles IV in Persian;

the second is a copy of this letter translated into Latin by Archbishop John himself or one of his contemporaries;

the third, a copy of a letter written in Latin by the French King Charles IV to Amir Temur;

the fourth, a Latin translation of a letter sent by Mironshah Mirzo to three European kings. The original copy was kept by John and later shown to the King of England.

When it comes to the study of relations between Amir Temur and Europe during the former Soviet era, it is worth noting that I. Umnyakov's article "International relations of Central Asia at the beginning of the 15th century. Amir Temur's relations with Byzantium and France" and other works are quite informative.

Amir Temur also conducted diplomatic correspondence with distant states of Western Europe, in particular, with the representative of the Valois dynasty - King Charles VI of France (1380-1422) and King Henry IV of England (1399-1413). The first brief information about the correspondence between Amir Temur and Charles VI in 1402-1403 was provided by the French historian Flossant, who lived at the beginning of the 19th century, in his research published in 1811.

Amir Temur's letter to Charles VI was written in Persian, in an unusual style, not similar to the style of the rulers of the East. The letter mentions that "the preacher Francis" brought letters to Amir Temur from the French king.

As far as we know, there was no official exchange of ambassadors between Amir Temur and Charles VI, as there was between King Henry III of Castile. At the same time, the text of the letter suggests that Amir Temur had previously received letters from France. However, these letters have not reached us.

There is no doubt that this letter is an original. This is clearly confirmed by the fact that Amir Temur's miraculous seal is stamped on two places on the letter. The fact that the seal on the letter actually belongs to Sahibkiran has been proven by most historians, including Ambassador Clavijo and historian Ibn Arabshah.

An important point is that Clavijo is one of the few, that is, one of four people who saw Amir Temur and wrote memoirs based on direct conversations with him. This fact further increases the authenticity of the diaries of the Spanish Ambassador, as well as the memoirs created by Ibn Arabshah, Ibn Khaldun, and Archbishop John. Therefore, honesty is the path to truth and justice.

The National Library in Paris preserves the second letter of Amir Temur to Charles VI. The Latin translation of this letter has come down to us, first published by Sylvester de Sacy.

At the same time, there is also a Latin translation of the letter sent by Charles VI to Amir Temur. This is a unique document of particular value as the only letter from the French king to Sahibkiran that has survived to this day. While both letters of Amir Temur are dated August 1, 1402, the letter of Charles VI is dated June 15, 1403.

The foreign policy and diplomatic correspondence of His Majesty Amir Temur have been and are being studied in detail by scholars around the world, including specialists from our country. Some time ago, when I met with Jean-Louis Bacquet-Grammon, a well-known French orientalist and orientalist, in Paris, he presented me with a rare copy of the book "Amir Temur's Campaign in Anatolia (1402)" written by the Romanian historian and Turkologist Maria-Matilda Alexandrescu-Dersca, published in 1942.

Despite the fact that Amir Temur's letters were written almost seven centuries ago, some of their aspects resonate as an extremely important call for our day: it is understood that the prosperity of the world with merchants, the glory of the empire is determined primarily by recognizing the glory of other empires, respecting the dignity of citizens, regardless of official and unofficial differences, and firmly adhering to human rights and freedoms.

In addition, as material evidence of the diplomatic correspondence of the Timurids, one can cite the letters between Amir Timur and his third son, the ruler of Western Iran, Iraq and Azerbaijan, Miranshah Mirza, and the kings of France, England, Castile and other countries. Some of these letters are kept in the French National Archives, the British Museum and the Spanish archives.

The diplomatic correspondence of Amir Timur and the Timurids clearly shows, firstly, that Europe has always reached out to the East, which awakened long before it, and secondly, that the East also sought to establish contacts with these countries, cooperate, establish trade and commerce, and, despite religious differences, honor merchants and protect their rights.

 

 

Akmal SAIDOV,

academician

The awakening lion: the era of renewal

📅 20.08.2024

Hey, great Turan, land of lions!
What has become of you? What are these days you endure now?
Oh, glorious cradle of Genghis, Timur, Oghuz, and Attila!
Where have the esteemed seats you once held gone?..
Abdurauf Fitrat
An American politician once said of the current life and fate of the Central Asian region: ‘They are neither post-Soviet nor post-communist countries now’.
Today no specialist knowledge is needed to understand this idea, which suggests that such labels are outdated in the research community. For example, ten to fifteen years ago the political behaviour of Central Asian societies – neighbours for thousands of years – was prone to national separatism, mutual dislike and latent hostility, but today they have undergone a remarkable transformation. Ideologues and ordinary Central Asians only a couple years ago endeavoured to prove their superiority, their antiquity and, for these very reasons, their greater belonging to the historical and cultural heritage of the region. Though they still might hurl some sharp insults at each other, now they have become united neighbours.
Every day we see and hear of events that illustrate this unity and provide concrete evidence of it. Meanwhile, as already noted, some latent and outdated policies of these neighbouring countries towards each other still attempt to turn the common cultural heritage of the region into a language of hatred.
As a result of Soviet nationalisation and post-Soviet ideologisation, these five states in the Eurasian centre, the land that once founded great empires and was famous throughout the world, unfortunately turned away from one another after gaining independence. This, in turn, allowed the region to remain a geopolitical object for the modern world’s empires.
At this moment, I do not intend to delve into the geopolitical picture of the region and its current situation. I would like to share my brief thoughts on the bold steps and the international image of what Uzbek leadership is calling ‘New Uzbekistan’. The country is transforming day by day and now has the ability to directly influence regional processes.
These joyful events have made me take up my pen.

August 2024 began with good news. That month’s two important events to which I would like to draw attention, are related to the growing role of New Uzbekistan in world politics, culture, and modern history. These were the state visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan and his participation in the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of Central Asian States in Astana, as well as the historic victory of our athletes at the Olympic Games in Paris.
True, some may argue, “Well, the President has repeatedly participated in meetings in this format, and our athletes have delivered victories commensurate with those from other countries. What’s the big deal?”
But I also have a question for such people: When did the world powers take Uzbekistan, which will soon be celebrating thirty-three years of independence, so seriously? When have this country and its long-suffering people been recognised as independent subjects of international politics? When did our country’s representative reach thirteenth place in a set of international competitions in which athletes from more than two hundred countries took part? When was the anthem of Uzbekistan played eight times at such prestigious competitions? When was our flag raised thirteen times over the winners' podium? And when else did we hear that ‘Uzbek athletes have no equal in the world!’?
Of course, no one will be able to contradict me when I say that these two factors are the worthy fruit of the hard work of our country’s president Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
I would like to say a few words about the meetings in Kazakhstan. The details of this visit vividly demonstrated the results of Mirziyoyev’s changes in regional policy, which he put into place eight years ago.
The first meeting of the Interstate Supreme Council, which took place 7-9 August 2023, was cochaired by Mirziyoyev and President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.
This was the first time in our history that the leaders of these two Central Asian states have met to agree on multifaceted supranational cooperation, which is recognised by the world community and international experts as one of the main locomotives of international affairs in the modern world. In the past, despite supranational general concepts such as ‘Central Asia’, ‘regional unity’ or the substanceless slogan ‘Turkestan is our common home’, the identity of the region as a whole has remained extremely blurred. The actions of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the two main powers in the region, towards this end are an important step in transforming these previous abstractions into a concrete plan. We will talk about this a little later, but for now let us focus on the first meeting of the Interstate Council.
The visit hosted meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission and the Business Council, as well as a business forum, political consultations, a think tank forum and intellectual games. The organizers of the meetings also organised cinema days and other cultural events to strengthen the unity of Central Asian peoples in cultural terms as well as economic and political.
One of the most significant events of these meetings was the adoption by the leaders of the two countries of the Programme for Strategic Partnership and Allied Cooperation for 2024-2034. This document undoubtedly marks the beginning of a new stage in Uzbek-Kazakh relations of friendship and good neighbourliness.
Economic relations between the two parties have already reached record highs in recent years. As a result of previous meetings, such as economic forums and business meetings of the parties, solid agreements worth $7 billion were signed.
‘We have opened a new chapter in our multifaceted relations – we have held the first meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council. This format is an expression of the highest level of interstate cooperation and clearly demonstrates the close ties between our countries and peoples and their firm desire to strengthen cooperation in all areas,’ Mirziyoyev said at the meeting.
Of course, this unprecedented level of cooperation between the two countries did not go unnoticed by the world community and international experts. Analysts and think tanks commented widely on the details of the visit. In particular, Roy Anthony Rogers, Deputy Director of the Asia and Europe Institute at the University of Malaya (Malaysia), outlined his observations as follows:
‘Thanks to the strong historical ties and personal friendship between the leaders of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, the current state of Uzbek-Kazakh relations is characterised by special dynamics, a high level of mutual understanding and trust. I believe that this visit of the president of Uzbekistan to Kazakhstan is of historic significance not only for the peoples of the two countries, but also for the prosperity of the entire Central Asian region.’
Praising Uzbekistan’s policy of regional cooperation, Nasri Al Saadi, Managing Partner of Premium Construction (Qatar), focuses in his article on the sincere actions of the neighbouring countries:
‘The two leaders are committed to uniting the region and coordinating efforts through consultative meetings and the Central Asia Plus platforms, which are becoming increasingly popular mechanisms for international cooperation. They actively support each other on global and regional political issues’.
Of course, my aim is not to summarise or comment on the opinions of foreign analysts on this historic meeting. My intention is to tell you about the activities of Mirziyoyev, who is striving with equanimity and wisdom to achieve his goal of transforming Uzbekistan’s previous isolation into regional openness and is achieving great success. After all, I am always proud to be a contemporary and compatriot of a person who has glorified and continues to glorify the name of the Uzbek people and Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan plans to increase exports of electrical products to Europe, countries of South Asia and the Middle East

📅 19.07.2024

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Yuri Kutbitdinov,

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

Republic of Uzbekistan

 

Autumn elections to the Parliament of Uzbekistan will be held on the basis of a new system

📅 30.07.2024

The text of the article is in Russian!

Strengthening Peace in Gaza and Expanding Economic Ties with the U.S.

📅 27.02.2026

 

On the Inaugural Meeting of the Peace Council in Washington

At the invitation of the President of the United States Donald Trump, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev paid a working visit to Washington on February 17–19 to participate in the inaugural meeting of the Peace Council. The visit combined a substantive political agenda with an extensive economic program and resulted in a number of agreements aimed at further strengthening Uzbek-American strategic partnership and expanding bilateral cooperation across key sectors.

Expanding Participation in Addressing Global Challenges

The Peace Council is an intergovernmental initiative put forward by President Trump within the framework of the Gaza peace plan endorsed by the UN Security Council in November 2025. The establishment of this platform is intended not only to coordinate humanitarian assistance but also to create institutional mechanisms for long-term stabilization, reconstruction, and socio-economic recovery of the Gaza Strip, while reducing the risks of renewed escalation in the Middle East.

The Charter of the Peace Council was signed on January 22, 2026, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. Signatories included leaders and representatives of Azerbaijan, Argentina, Armenia, Bahrain, Bulgaria, Hungary, Indonesia, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Morocco, Mongolia, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Paraguay, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, and Kosovo. Subsequently, Belarus, Albania, Cambodia, Egypt, El Salvador, Jordan, and Kuwait officially joined the group of founding states, expanding the Council’s geographic and political representation.

By joining the founding members at the invitation of the U.S. President, Uzbekistan reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful diplomacy, respect for international law, and shared responsibility for maintaining global stability. Uzbekistan recognized Palestine in 1994 and consistently supports the right of the Palestinian people to establish an independent state in accordance with international legal norms and UN resolutions.

Uzbekistan’s policy toward Gaza combines principled political positioning with practical humanitarian engagement. In 2023, Uzbekistan allocated $1.5 mln through UNRWA. In December 2023, 100 wounded Palestinian women and children were evacuated and provided with medical treatment and rehabilitation services. In 2025, Uzbekistan developed a comprehensive state support mechanism for Palestinian citizens received in the country, including asylum procedures, access to healthcare, education for children, and employment assistance. A dedicated fund under the National Agency for Social Protection was established to finance these measures through budgetary and charitable resources.

The inaugural meeting of the Peace Council held on February 19 in Washington brought together leaders and representatives of more than 40 countries. Discussions focused on humanitarian relief, infrastructure restoration, and ensuring the sustainability of the post-conflict recovery process. At the opening of the session, President Trump announced that nine countries – Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, the UAE, Morocco, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Kuwait – had jointly pledged $7 bn in assistance to Gaza, while the United States committed an additional $10 bn to support the Council’s activities.

In his address, President Mirziyoyev expressed full support for the peace initiative and confirmed Uzbekistan’s readiness to participate practically in its implementation. Particular emphasis was placed on the principle that any external governance framework for Gaza must rely on internal public support in order to ensure legitimacy, stability, and long-term effectiveness.

Highlighting the importance of coordinated international efforts, the President noted that joint actions would help secure the sustainability of the post-conflict process and accelerate socio-economic recovery. Uzbekistan also declared its readiness to contribute to the construction of residential housing, schools, kindergartens, and healthcare facilities in Gaza, thereby supporting both humanitarian and development objectives.

The Palestinian and Gaza issue has remained on the international agenda for decades without a comprehensive solution. In this context, the creation of the Peace Council represents one of the most structured multilateral attempts in recent years to address the crisis, while Uzbekistan’s participation among the founding states reflects the growing recognition of its constructive diplomatic role.

Expanding Trade and Economic Cooperation

Alongside political dialogue, the economic dimension of the visit formed a central pillar of bilateral engagement. In recent years, Uzbekistan and the United States have steadily restored institutional mechanisms of strategic partnership and expanded practical cooperation.

Cooperation with the U.S. Export-Import Bank resumed in 2017 after a 13-year hiatus. Agreements were concluded between Amazon and Uztrade, while science, technology, and economic modernization were identified among priority cooperation areas. In 2018, a $100 mln memorandum on trade financing was signed between Eximbank and Uzbekistan’s National Bank for Foreign Economic Activity. Cooperation with Openbucks supported the development of e-commerce and digital payment infrastructure.

A major milestone was reached in September 2025 during the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, where negotiations between the two presidents resulted in the formation of a portfolio of contracts and prospective projects exceeding $100 bn. The agreements covered aviation, mining and chemicals, energy, finance, and innovation. Specific arrangements included cooperation with Denali Exploration Group on rare earth elements, Re Element Technologies in rare earth metals, Flowserve on modernization of pumping stations, Valmont Industries on water-saving technologies, and Palo Alto Networks in artificial intelligence.

During the Washington visit, President Mirziyoyev held meetings with U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, Eximbank President John Jovanovic, DFC CEO Ben Black, and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Discussions focused on expanding financing for major industrial and infrastructure projects, supporting high-tech equipment exports, launching a bilateral Investment Platform, advancing Uzbekistan’s WTO accession, and strengthening regional trade cooperation under TIFA. The agreement establishing the Investment Platform was formally signed during the visit.

Additional bilateral documents were concluded covering construction of fuel station networks, sprinkler irrigation technologies, extraction and supply of critical minerals, development of poultry clusters, agro-industrial cooperation, financial market development, and investment climate reforms. The economic agenda was identified as one of the key pillars of Uzbek-American strategic partnership, with priority cooperation areas including critical raw materials, petrochemicals, energy, agriculture, and industrial modernization.

Trade and Investment Dynamics

The intensification of bilateral cooperation has already produced tangible economic results. Between 2017 and 2025, trade turnover increased 4.7-fold from $215 mln to $1 bn. Exports grew 9.1-fold to $291.7 mln, while imports rose 3.9-fold to $712.3 mln.

Exports to the United States are dominated by services (81%), including programming, financial, information, and transport services. Petroleum products account for 8.6%, machinery and equipment 3.7%, food products 3.5%, and industrial goods 3.3%.

Imports from the United States are led by machinery and equipment (59%), including aircraft, vehicles, computing equipment, engines, pumps, and industrial installations. Services account for 20.5%, chemicals 9.7%, industrial goods 3.8%, food products 3.2%, and manufactured goods 2.2%.

Investment cooperation has expanded dynamically. U.S. FDI and loans increased nearly 64-fold from $8.6 mln in 2017 to $383.2 mln in 2025, with cumulative inflows exceeding $2.9 bn. As of February 2026, 346 enterprises with U.S. capital operate in Uzbekistan, including 146 joint ventures and 200 wholly foreign-owned firms. Investments are concentrated in manufacturing, mining, construction, services, and agriculture.

Prospects for Deeper Economic Partnership

Recent dynamics indicate a transition from trade expansion toward long-term technological and industrial partnership. While services dominate exports, significant untapped potential remains in agro-processing, textiles, non-ferrous metallurgy, and higher value-added manufacturing.

Given annual U.S. imports of $118 bn in textiles and apparel, $539 bn in food products, and $213 bn in pharmaceuticals, even limited market penetration could significantly expand Uzbek exports and rebalance their structure.

Technology cooperation represents a separate strategic track. The United States accounts for 45% of Uzbekistan’s IT exports, with 448 of 800 exporters supplying digital services to the U.S. market. The next phase may involve joint industrial production in electronics and microelectronics with companies such as NVIDIA, Intel, and Qualcomm, enabling integration into global value chains.

Energy cooperation could support infrastructure modernization and renewable energy deployment, while pharmaceutical localization and joint R&D with companies such as Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, and Merck offer additional avenues for technology transfer and investment.

Privatization and PPP initiatives create further opportunities. By 2030, the private sector share in Uzbekistan’s economy is projected to reach 85%, with stakes in 2,000 enterprises planned for sale and $30 bn in PPP projects to be launched. Cooperation with U.S. capital markets, including the NYSE and Nasdaq, may further support the development of Uzbekistan’s financial infrastructure.

Conclusion

President Mirziyoyev’s visit to Washington and participation in the inaugural Peace Council meeting carry both diplomatic and economic significance.

Uzbekistan’s engagement in the Council strengthens its international standing and expands its contribution to addressing global challenges. At the same time, the agreements reached and the expanding portfolio of joint projects elevate Uzbek-American relations to a new stage characterized by deeper institutional cooperation, industrial integration, and long-term strategic trust.

Viktor Abaturov,

Center for Economic Research and Reforms