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New approaches in poverty reduction presented
📅 18.01.2025
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on measures for ensuring population’s employment and poverty reduction based on new approaches.
This year it’s planned to ensure employment of 5.2 million citizens and bring out of poverty 1.5 million people. For the first time 60 districts and cities will become territories free of poverty and unemployment.
Jointly with mahalla bankers it’s planned to ensure constant employment for 1.5 million people and attract more than 2 million citizens to businesses. For this purpose it’s planned to allocate a total of 120 trillion soum of credit resources for small business projects.
Based on best foreign practices, new approaches to poverty reduction will be introduced in 32 areas. In particular, solar power plants with a total capacity of 107 megawatts will be built in 300 complex mahallas, and members of low-income families will be hired to operate them on a cooperative basis.
In 123 districts, low-income citizens will be offered work on the creation of forest and nursery lands on 20 thousand hectares, as well as the cultivation of medicinal plants. They will be paid a subsidy of 375 thousand soums for every 100 trees planted.
In places with tourism potential it is planned to open guest houses and catering outlets, and at a number of post offices - e-commerce centers, where representatives of low-income families will also get jobs.
A total of 6.472 mahallas in 2025 will implement projects based on new approaches, which will help lift 210 thousand people out of poverty.
Special attention will be paid to remote villages with particularly difficult conditions. In them, the Association of Mahallas of Uzbekistan will take measures to foster a spirit of entrepreneurship, reduce dependency and support labor activity of low-income families.
The Head of State reiterated that 2025 will be decisive in reducing unemployment and poverty, and gave instructions to ensure a systematic and targeted approach to the implementation of the presented measures.
The Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction is tasked with strictly monitoring the implementation of these tasks. Each initiative and each activity will be entered into an electronic platform with subsequent verification of the created jobs on the tax base.
The importance of organizing training for the staff of local khokimiyats and “ mahalla seven”, as well as promotion of best practices was also noted.
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
Akramjon Ne’matov: In his Address, President of Uzbekistan placed a key emphasis on the country’s socio-economic development, the enhancement of citizens’ well-being and the strengthening of the economy’s competitiveness
📅 28.12.2025
Comment from the First Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies (ISRS) under the President of Uzbekistan to Dunyo Information Agency
The focal points of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s address to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan as well as the signals conveyed to both domestic and international audiences, were highlighted in a commentary by Akramjon Ne’matov, the First Deputy Director of the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies (ISRS) under the President of Uzbekistan, in an interview with Dunyo IA correspondent.
The expert highlighted that the primary focus of the Address was on the country’s socio-economic development, the improvement of citizens’ well-being and the enhancement of the national economy’s competitiveness. According to him, the President of Uzbekistan clearly emphasized that it is the economy, the sustainability of development, and the quality of growth that today define Uzbekistan’s opportunities both domestically and in its external engagements.
Akramjon Ne’matov emphasized that despite a challenging and fragmented global environment, Uzbekistan’s economy continues to demonstrate steady growth. For the first time in the country’s history, its GDP surpassed $145 billion this year, whereas just nine years ago, reaching the $100 billion mark was considered an ambitious milestone. Even amid disruptions in global supply chains, exports grew by 23% to $33.4 billion, electricity production in 2025 reached 85 billion kilowatt-hours, and foreign exchange reserves exceeded $60 billion. Over $43.1 billion in investments were attracted to the national economy this year, raising the investment-to-GDP ratio to 31.9%, a clear indicator of the country’s rising investment appeal.
In this context, the expert noted, maintaining high economic growth rates remains an absolute priority. However, what is particularly significant is the shift in focus from quantitative expansion toward a technological and innovative development model. This entails building a knowledge- and technology-based economy, modernizing industry, advancing the digital economy, promoting scientific research and fostering technology transfer. As Akramjon Ne’matov stressed, “An innovative economy ensures long-term competitiveness and reduces dependency on raw materials, which is critically important amid global instability”.
Another strategic priority highlighted by the President of Uzbekistan is the stimulation of domestic demand. According to the expert, the development of the domestic market is seen as a key driver of sustainable growth, encompassing higher household incomes, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, and broader access to financial instruments. Domestic demand, he emphasized, provides stable sources of development and helps shield the economy from external shocks.
Special attention, Akramjon Ne’matov noted, was also given to workforce development and the creation of a new labor market architecture. The President outlined objectives for modernizing vocational education, fostering new competencies, and shaping a flexible and adaptive labor market capable of meeting the needs of a modern economy. He stressed that the labor market and professional development determine the quality of human capital – the key resource of the 21st century.
At the same time, an important focus is placed on ensuring ecological balance, developing “green energy” and the rational use of water resources. The transition to sustainable development, the adoption of renewable energy sources, improving energy and water efficiency, and adapting to climate change are regarded as strategic objectives. Ecology and “green” energy are now considered key factors for national security and sustainable development, Akramjon Ne’matov emphasized.
Among the President of Uzbekistan’s key priorities is also the formation of modern state governance and a fair judicial system. Central to this agenda are enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of public administration, strengthening the rule of law, digitizing public services and reforming the judiciary. The expert stressed that effective governance and a fair judicial system build trust, enhance investment appeal, and ensure long-term stability.
Overall, he noted, these priorities reflect Uzbekistan’s shift from quantitative growth toward a qualitative model of modernization focused on long-term outcomes.
Based on these strategic directions, Uzbekistan is shaping a framework of key cooperation priorities with international partners, aimed at deepening engagement through high-quality collaboration.
The first priority is technological and industrial partnership. This includes establishing joint high value-added production, localizing advanced technologies, and implementing collaborative research and development projects. The strategic goal is to move beyond simple technology adoption toward co-creation and practical implementation of innovations.
The second priority is the development of human capital. This encompasses joint programs for training and retraining personnel, sustained collaboration between universities, research centers, and industry, and the cultivation of new competencies demanded by the modern economy. The objective is to ensure the sustainability of reforms and enhance the quality of the workforce.
The third priority is “green” energy and resource efficiency. The focus is on joint initiatives in renewable energy, water-saving technologies, and environmentally sustainable solutions. These efforts are viewed as key instruments for reducing ecological risks and enhancing the long-term resilience of the economy.
The fourth priority is infrastructure and multi-level connectivity. The development of transport, logistics, and digital infrastructure aims not only to deepen Uzbekistan’s integration into regional and global supply chains but also to strengthen internal connectivity across the country’s regions, reduce territorial disparities, and improve access to markets, services, and economic opportunities. Taken together, these initiatives reinforce Uzbekistan’s role as a stable regional hub for cooperation and transit.
The fifth priority is institutional development and the quality of public governance. This includes promoting principles of transparent and efficient governance, establishing a fair and independent judicial system, enhancing the effectiveness and professionalism of the civil service, and fostering experience-sharing in the digitalization of public services. These measures create a predictable institutional environment, strengthen trust among investors and partners, and serve as a solid foundation for sustainable, long-term international cooperation.
In conclusion, Akramjon Ne’matov emphasized that Uzbekistan views collaboration with foreign partners as a strategic priority. The country aims to transition from broad but largely quantitative engagement toward high-quality partnerships, centered on technology, human capital, and sustainable growth that align with the long-term interests of all parties.
Dunyo IA
Address by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the second "Central Asia – Germany" summit
📅 17.09.2024
Distinguished heads of delegations!
I am sincerely glad to greet you all. I would like to echo the words of gratitude to the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, H.E. Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, for the warm welcome and excellent organization of our meeting.
I am grateful to the distinguished Federal Chancellor of Germany, H.E. Mr. Olaf Scholz, for his commitment to expanding the multifaceted partnership with the countries of our region.
Our first meeting in Berlin and today's summit reaffirm shared intention to continue an open and constructive dialogue and our focus on achieving concrete practical results.
We are interested in holding regular meetings in this format, with setting up the mechanisms for expert review and implementation of the initiatives put forward.
Distinguished Federal Chancellor!
We highly value Germany's firm and unwavering support for the ongoing democratic transformations and socio-economic reforms in our countries, partnership and integration in Central Asia.
I would like to highlight that our multifaceted relationship has deep historical roots.
In the 18th century, the great composer of the Age of Enlightenment Handel created one of his greatest works – the opera "Tamerlane" – in just 20 days.
The great poet and philosopher Goethe dedicated a number of his famous works to our ancient cities - the centers of civilization.
I would like to mention another historical fact.
At the beginning of the 20th century, a group of talented, progressive young people from Central Asia studied at the leading German universities and subsequently made a great contribution to the promotion of the enlightenment ideas and socio-economic development of our region.
I would like to emphasize that today we see Germany as one of our important partners in achieving national goals of sustainable development.
Let me briefly highlight the profound and fundamental changes that have taken place in Central Asia in recent years.
We have established an open and productive dialogue and are independently addressing many issues related to borders, water, energy, trade and transit.
Recently, the Sixth Meeting of the Heads of State of the region was held here in Astana.
The international stance of the region is strengthening, cooperation with the leading countries via "Central Asia Plus" format is expanding.
The volumes of trade turnover, investment, freight transport and tourist travel by our citizens have increased many-fold.
We are discussing major regional projects in green energy and the development of transport communications.
We are exchanging experience and technologies, creating modern industrial and agricultural enterprises, and introducing financial instruments to stimulate cooperation projects.
Most importantly, we clearly understand that the future of our region, its security and sustainable development depends solely on our political will and efforts.
We sincerely welcome the interest of our European partners, first of all Germany, as the main initiator and driving force behind the promotion of EU strategies and multilateral cooperation programmes with our countries.
We are preparing to hold another summit in Uzbekistan in the format of "Central Asia - European Union" next year, having defined the investment in the future of the region as the main topic of the agenda of the meeting.
Dear colleagues!
Conflicts and wars, the overall global instability and unpredictability, sanctions policy, increased protectionism and many other factors are causing extremely negative impact on our countries and are becoming a serious test to the implementation of national programs and reforms.
Earlier, during our talks in Samarkand, I shared with Chancellor Scholz my high expectations from today’s meeting.
In this regard, I would like to outline our vision of the main directions for developing cooperation with Germany in Central Asia.
First. We highly value the establishment of a strategic regional partnership between Central Asia and Germany, which meets the common interests of maintaining stability, ensuring sustainability and prosperity of the region.
We consider it appropriate to adopt a long-term Concept for the development of our partnership with program activities in priority areas.
In order to develop this document, we propose to consider the possibility of establishing the “Central Asia – Germany” Forum of Analytical Centers. We are ready to hold its first meeting next year in Khiva - one of the region’s historic cities where a large community of German Mennonites used to live.
We also assign an important role to the annual meetings of the heads of the foreign ministries of our countries in preparing the agenda of our summits.
Second. Investment and technological partnership with the leading German companies.
I would like to note that the portfolio of ongoing and promising projects in Uzbekistan with the participation of German companies exceeds 20 billion Euros.
This includes energy, chemical and extractive industries, machine building, textile and food industry, agriculture, transport and logistics, production of construction materials.
The leading German companies, such as Siemens, Linde, BASF, MAN, Claas, Henkel, Knauf and many others are among our partners, which have invested about 6 billion euros into Uzbekistan’s economy in recent years.
Today we will have the opportunity to discuss long-term plans with the representatives of the German business.
In this regard, I have a number of specific proposals:
– developing a "road map" for expanding investment and technological cooperation between the Central Asian countries and Germany;
– participation of the leading German companies and banks in the implementation of joint projects in the special economic and industrial zones being created in the border areas, as well as large infrastructure projects of regional significance;
– launching of a permanent business dialogue platform – “Central Asia-Germany” Council of Investors and Entrepreneurs. We are ready to hold its first meeting next year in Uzbekistan within the Tashkent Investment Forum;
– study of the possibility of adopting a multilateral intergovernmental agreement on promotion and protection of investments.
Third. Partnership in critical raw materials based on the introduction of advanced German knowledge and technologies.
As it was mentioned our region is abundant in mineral resources.
The German Mineral Resources Agency and German companies could become our key partners in this area.
Here, we are referring to the geological survey projects, intensive exploration, processing and production of products with high added value, as well as arrangement of shipments to Germany and other EU countries.
Uzbekistan is ready to take part in the joint implementation of such projects in neighboring countries.
The technical assistance from Germany and European institutions in implementing the Digital Mapping Program of Critical Minerals and Rare Earth Metals in our region holds promising opportunities.
We also believe it is important to establish a reliable legal framework for such cooperation.
Fourth. “Green” energy. In recent years, all our countries have been actively developing solar, wind and hydropower, modernizing thermal power plants and networks, and promoting green hydrogen projects.
We propose to consider launching an Energy Dialogue between Central Asian countries and Germany, involving energy ministries, companies, operators, scientific organizations, design institutes and industry experts.
We are interested in preparing a Comprehensive Capacity Building Program for specialists in the low-carbon economy with the German technical assistance.
Fifth. Joint response to climate change.
Experts predict that the Central Asian region will remain most vulnerable to the effects of global warming. The rise in average temperatures will be twice as high as the world average.
We are grateful to the German side for launching the second phase of the “Green Central Asia” program, assistance provided for the implementation of environmental projects.
We are also interested in the following:
- implementation of joint educational programs and scientific exchanges at the Central Asian University of Environmental and Climate Change Studies;
- adoption of cooperation programs for the introduction of German water management technologies, modernization of irrigation systems, conservation of biodiversity and training of environmental specialists.
We support and are ready to take an active part in the practical implementation of the initiative of the German Chancellor to create a Central Asian Nature Partnership.
Sixth. The biggest barrier to deepening our partnership is the lack of transport connectivity, including land and air.
We count on Germany’s support in engaging European institutions in the development of alternative transportation corridors connecting Central Asia with Europe.
We propose to hold a joint Ministerial Conference next year on improving the transit capacity of such routes.
Dear heads of delegations!
The exhibition of cultural and historical heritage of our region last year at the Neues Museum in Berlin once again demonstrated the need for regular organization of such events.
Over several months, more than half a million of residents and guests of the German capital city enjoyed the exhibition.
We propose to adopt a Joint Plan for Cultural Activities in our countries, consider the possibility of holding Central Asian Art and Film Days in major cities of Germany, and establish cooperation between museums.
In the field of scientific and educational exchange, it is important to launch a platform for partnership among leading universities,
to develop programs aimed at expanding cooperation in the field of dual education, to train German language teachers with the involvement of the Goethe Institute and other German organizations.
The high interest of our youth in learning German is evidenced by the victory of an Uzbek schoolgirl at the World Olympiad held this summer in Göttingen.
Dear colleagues!
We believe it is important to continue close cooperation with Germany in the fields of combating terrorism, extremism and cybercrime, preventing radicalization of youth.
The security situation in Central Asia is inextricably linked with the processes taking place in Afghanistan.
We believe it is important to prevent the aggravation of the humanitarian crisis in this country, which is left alone with its own challenges.
In this regard, we are ready to cooperate with Germany and other European partners in the implementation of joint projects aimed at involving this country into regional economic cooperation and training personnel, including girls and women, in skills that are on-demand for the peaceful life in Afghanistan, at the Educational Center located in the border town of Termez.
In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that Uzbekistan is interested in untapping the potential of Germany’s multifaceted cooperation with the Central Asian region.
I am confident that today’s meeting will serve to further bringing our countries and peoples closer and fill our strategic partnership with concrete projects and programs.
Thank you!
Uzbekistan–Turkiye: From Trade to Expanded Economic Engagement
📅 29.01.2026
Economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkiye is carried out within the framework of signed bilateral agreements and established intergovernmental mechanisms, and is supported by regular high-level contacts. In addition, Uzbekistan and Turkiye cooperate within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States.
In 2023, the President of the Republic of Turkiye paid an official visit to Uzbekistan, during which the Uzbekistan–Turkiye Business Forum was held. As a result of the visit, a substantial package of intergovernmental and commercial agreements was signed, covering key sectors of the economy with a total value of around $10 bn.
In June 2024, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan paid an official visit to Turkiye. During the visit, a meeting of the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council was held, resulting in the signing of an important package of agreements, protocols, and roadmaps aimed at further expanding trade, economic, and investment cooperation.
Mutual trade between Uzbekistan and Turkiye operates under a most-favoured-nation regime, and a Preferential Trade Agreement has also been signed.
Turkiye is among Uzbekistan’s leading trade and economic partners, ranking 4th in terms of total trade turnover and imports, and 5th in terms of Uzbekistan’s exports.
In 2025, Turkiye’s share in Uzbekistan’s foreign trade turnover amounted to 3.7%, including 3.4% of exports and 4.0% of imports.
Dynamics of Bilateral Trade
Over the period 2017–2025, bilateral trade between the two countries increased by 1.9 times and reached $3.0 bn by the end of 2025. Exports to Turkiye grew by 1.3 times to $1.1 bn, while imports from Turkiye increased by 2.8 times to $1.9 bn.
At the same time, annual growth rates of imports from Turkiye consistently exceeded export growth rates, resulting in a widening trade deficit to –$751.6 mn.
Uzbekistan’s exports to Turkiye in 2025 comprised the following categories: industrial goods (copper products, yarn, etc.) amounting to $511.4 mn (45%); miscellaneous manufactured articles (mainly precious metal products) at $152.3 mn (13.4%); chemical products (polymers, fertilizers, etc.) at $124.3 mn (11%); machinery and transport equipment at $80.1 mn (7%); food products (dried fruits and nuts) at $63.0 mn (5.5%); petroleum products (gasoline, gas oil) at $36.6 mn (3.2%); non-food raw materials at $18.0 mn (1.6%); as well as services, primarily transport services, at $149.9 mn (13.2%).
Imports from Turkiye in 2025 were dominated by the following categories: machinery and transport equipment at $674.6 mn (35.7%); chemical products at $408.9 mn (21.7%); industrial goods at $390.2 mn (20.7%); miscellaneous manufactured articles at $136.2 mn (7.2%); food products at $94.6 mn (5.0%); petroleum products (lubricating oils) at $30.2 mn (1.6%); non-food raw materials at $30.1 mn (1.6%); and services at $117.4 mn (6.2%).
Investment Cooperation
The two countries have signed an Agreement on the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments. As of 1 January 2026, 2,137 enterprises with Turkish capital operate in Uzbekistan, accounting for 11.8% of all active enterprises with foreign investment. Of these, 496 are joint ventures and 1,641 are wholly owned by Turkish investors.
Total direct investments and loans from Turkiye to Uzbekistan’s economy over 2017–2025 amounted to $9.0 bn, including $2.6 bn attracted in 2025 alone.
Turkish capital continues to expand its presence in Uzbekistan, primarily in priority sectors such as energy, manufacturing, agriculture, and construction.
In particular, investments in the power sector are linked to the construction by the Turkish company Cengiz Enerji of a 240 MW thermal power plant in Tashkent Region and a similar 220 MW plant in Syrdarya Region.
Prospective Areas of Economic Cooperation
An analysis of Turkiye’s import structure indicates opportunities to increase Uzbekistan’s exports to Turkiye, particularly in product categories that Uzbekistan already supplies to global markets. These include polymers (Turkiye’s imports amounting to $2.8 bn), copper wire ($1.4 bn), fertilizers ($1.1 bn), legumes ($1.0 bn), zinc ($857 mn), copper tubes ($360 mn), textile products, particularly T-shirts and undershirts ($373 mn), knitted fabrics ($158 mn) and other manufactured goods.
Promising areas for cooperative engagement between Uzbekistan and Turkiye include manufacturing industries – especially textiles, electrical engineering, and machinery – chemical industry, agriculture, healthcare, education, as well as projects aimed at preserving and promoting cultural heritage. There are also prospects for joint infrastructure projects, including the construction of water treatment facilities.
In agriculture, particular attention is paid to the selection and cultivation of domestic pistachio varieties and the development of pistachio farming. Agreements have been reached on implementing joint research projects focused on cultivation techniques and adaptation.
A significant emphasis is placed on expanding cooperation in education, including the involvement of Turkish lecturers and specialized professionals in educational initiatives in Uzbekistan, experience exchange, and human capital development.
At the same time, areas of cooperation in healthcare are being discussed, focusing on the development of primary healthcare, the introduction of medical insurance systems, sector digitalization, improvement of service quality, and modernization of the pharmaceutical industry.
Tourism has been identified as a separate and promising area of cooperation. Currently, 12 hotels in Uzbekistan operate with the participation of Turkish partners, along with more than 100 joint restaurants, reflecting sustained interest by Turkish businesses in the country’s tourism sector.
In 2025–2026, with the support of Turkish investors, 11 hotel projects with a total value of $167.9 mn are planned in Bukhara, Samarkand, Jizzakh, Fergana, and Tashkent regions.
Transport connectivity is also expanding significantly. The number of weekly flights between Uzbekistan and Turkiye has increased from 62 in 2023 to 106 at present, creating additional conditions for the growth of mutual tourist flows and the expansion of travel routes.
A key initiative in tourism is the “Million + Million” programme, aimed at attracting at least one million tourists to each country. The programme envisages a further increase in flight frequency and the expansion of tourist routes between Uzbekistan and Turkiye.
Conclusion
In recent years, there has been steady growth in bilateral trade, investment volumes, the number of enterprises with Turkish capital, and the breadth of economic cooperation.
At the same time, Uzbekistan’s exports to Turkiye are still dominated by raw materials and intermediate goods used in Turkiye’s industrial sectors. Against this background, the key task for the coming years is to move from a “raw materials–finished goods” trade model toward the formation of joint production chains with higher value added.
In this context, Turkiye can play a role for Uzbekistan not only as one of its principal trading partners, but also as a contributor to Uzbekistan’s industrial development and to the expansion of its participation in global value chains.
Edvard Romanov
Center for Economic Research and Reforms
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan to pay a state visit to France
📅 13.03.2025
At the invitation of President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay a state visit to this country on March 11-13.
The agenda of the visit to Paris envisages talks and events at the highest level, as well as a number of meetings with official and business circles of France.
The agenda of the upcoming contacts includes issues of further development and strengthening of Uzbek-French multifaceted relations.
Priority attention will be given to expanding mutually beneficial cooperation in trade-economic and investment-financial spheres, promoting cooperation projects with leading companies and enterprises of France.
It is planned to adopt a package of intergovernmental and interdepartmental agreements as a result of the summit.
In addition, the Head of our state will meet with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay to discuss practical aspects of preparing and holding the 43rd session of the Organization's General Conference in Samarkand this autumn.
It is worth noting the intense program of events on the eve of the forthcoming visit.
The President of Uzbekistan noted the priorities of expanding partnership with the World Bank
📅 08.10.2024
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with World Bank Vice President for Europe and Central Asia Antonella Bassani on September 30.
The sides discussed topical issues of further expansion of strategic cooperation with the World Bank Group and support of this leading international financial institution to the ongoing reform program in New Uzbekistan.
At the beginning of the meeting, Vice President Antonella Bassani conveyed to the head of our state sincere greetings and best wishes of World Bank President Ajay Bangui.
During the conversation, the current high level and fruitful nature of bilateral cooperation were noted with deep satisfaction.
In recent years, our country has become one of the largest partners of the Bank - the portfolio of projects has increased several times and now exceeds 12 billion dollars.
The World Bank is supporting the implementation of important reforms aimed at ensuring the sustainability of economic and social sectors. The Bank's regional office in Tashkent has been operating since July this year.
Such areas as poverty reduction, transformation of state-owned enterprises and banks, decarbonization, support for WTO accession and others have been identified as priorities for further expansion of the partnership.
Special attention was paid to the programs of urbanization and integrated development of regions, modernization of energy and irrigation infrastructure, support to the private sector.
There was also an exchange of views on the promotion of regional projects.
Reforms in Uzbekistan are based on the principle “The stronger public control, the more humane, free and fair the state is”
📅 25.07.2024
The most important sign of civil society is manifested in the fact that citizens exercise complete control over the activities of state structures. According to article 36 of the new version of the Constitution of Uzbekistan, our citizens have the right to participate directly and through their representatives in the management of the affairs of society and the state. Such participation is carried out through self-government, referendums and the democratic formation of state bodies, as well as public control over the activities of state bodies. The procedure for exercising public control over the activities of state bodies is established by law.
In order to organize and regulate relations in the field of public control over the activities of state bodies and institutions, the law “On Public Control” was adopted on April 12, 2018. According to this law, public control is carried out in such forms as appeals and requests to state bodies, public discussions, public hearings, public monitoring, and the study is carried out by citizens' self-government bodies in such forms as hearing reports and information from officials of state bodies.
Consistent work is underway in our country to implement public control and improve the regulatory framework governing this area. By presidential decree dated May 4, 2018, the badge "For contribution to the development of civil society" was established; the decree of the President of Uzbekistan dated July 4, 2018 "On measures to organize the activities of public councils under state bodies" was of great importance for accelerating work in this area. This resolution establishes the procedure for organizing the main tasks, functions, powers and activities of the public council under state bodies, which basically provides that the public council is created by the decision of the head of the state body, carries out its work on a voluntary basis and it is assumed that it will conduct its work on a public basis, as well as be considered as a permanent advisory body whose decisions will be advisory in nature.
As Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted, “There is no more effective tool for achieving the supremacy of the Constitution and the law than public control.” Public control is an important institution of democracy and people's power; it serves to ensure the protection of the rights and legitimate interests of citizens by monitoring the activities of state bodies.
In recent years, special attention has been paid in our republic to ensuring the participation of citizens in the management of society and public affairs, the creation of effective mechanisms for public control over the activities of the executive branch, and further strengthening the functions of public control. In particular, at the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, a public chamber was established in 2020 in order to further strengthen public control and establish close cooperation between the state and society. It was noted that the public chamber should regularly study the opinion of the population, set specific tasks for government agencies to find solutions. The importance of implementing such influential forms of control as "public hearings", "public monitoring", "public expertise", and "public initiative" was demonstrated.
According to the decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On measures to expand financing of projects formed on the basis of public opinion", adopted on October 25, 2022, an additional 335 billion soums were allocated for the implementation of 364 projects, each of which received more than 2 thousand votes in July-September 2022.
In recent years of modern development in our republic, the system of public administration has been improved, effective mechanisms of dialogue with the people have been introduced, and the effectiveness of the role and activities of the Mahalla Institute in the management of society has increased. Virtual and public reception rooms of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan were created in order to ensure human interests, knowledge and solution of problems and needs of people. These structures have become a mechanism for in-depth analysis of problems on the ground and a criterion for increasing the responsibility of state bodies and officials to society and evaluating their activities.
To date, such systems as "online reception" and "virtual visit" have been introduced, allowing for quick and economical identification of problems on the ground in order to optimize their expenses related to the maintenance of the public administration apparatus, eliminate corruption factors and establish effective public control over budget spending.
As an example, it is worth mentioning that in recent years a new system of dialogue with the people has been created – the activities of the presidential virtual and people's reception rooms. Of the 9,465,000 applications received by the virtual reception of the President, about 9,379,000 have been considered, the rest are also being resolved in accordance with the procedure established by law. The results of the public discussion can also be found on the "portal for discussions of draft regulatory legal acts" (regulation.gov.uz), which is clearly seen in the example. To date, 25384 draft regulatory legal acts have been posted on this portal for public discussion, of which 25183 have already been completed.
In recent years, the study of public opinion has become publicly available. The Open Budget portal was launched to exercise public control over targeted budget expenditures. Citizens can send messages about violations of budget legislation through the Portal, suggestions for improving the budget process, while receiving information such as the state budget, budget execution through this portal. In particular, an initiative budget has been launched through the Open Budget information portal, which is held 2 times a year. Thanks to this portal, citizens are focused on solving problems through joint voting. In the first season (February) 2024, 35,575 initiatives were supported, for which 3,390.5 billion soums were allocated.
Establishing the accountability of public authorities to parliament and local councils, as well as the introduction of the Electronic Government system, led to a further strengthening of public control. As a result, today in our country there is a single interactive portal of public services (my.gov.uz), an open data portal (data.egov.uz), a portal for discussing draft regulatory documents (regulation.gov.uz), and a complex of information systems “License" (license.gov.uz), information system for automating the activities of Single Window centers (birdarcha.uz).
Since 2023, in order to improve the system for identifying and solving social problems among the population in our republic, the practice of monthly hearing information from the heads of relevant government bodies and organizations in the mahalla council has been established, and new forms of public control have been introduced - “mahalla control” groups and “survey” institutions mahalla chairmen." Also, on behalf of the President, the “digital mahalla” system and the “people’s control” platform were improved.
The “My Opinion” web portal, which is under the jurisdiction of the Public Chamber, was created in order to expand the opportunities of citizens in our country to participate in the management of the affairs of society and the state, to ensure the openness of the activities of representative bodies of state power, to ensure the viability and effectiveness of the public administration system. Through this portal, a citizen can send proposals on legislation on important issues of state and public importance in the form of an electronic collective appeal. The My Opinion web portal, which is under the jurisdiction of the Public Chamber, was created in order to expand the opportunities of citizens in our country to participate in the management of the affairs of society and the state, to ensure the openness of the activities of representative bodies of state power, to ensure the viability and effectiveness of the public administration system. Through this portal, a citizen can send proposals on legislation on important issues of state and public importance in the form of an electronic collective appeal "Meningfikrim.uz "(My opinion). To date, more than 6670 collective appeals and about 30,000 comments have been received through the portal.
In recent years, political parties, which are considered to be one of the main actors of civil society in our country, have been given not only ample opportunities for free participation in elections, but also control over the executive branch. Political parties also have the right to exercise public control based on the interests of the public and their electorate. During election processes, local observers at polling stations consist of representatives of political parties and citizens' self-government bodies.
The role of the media in developing openness and transparency in our society, establishing public control over the activities of government bodies and their officials, studying and resolving legal appeals from citizens is also incomparable. In particular, the number of media registered in 2016–2023 increased by 41%, that is, in 2016 their number was 1614, and by 2023 it reached 2140. The number of mobile Internet users also exceeded 33 million.
As can be seen from the above, the main purpose of public control is to ensure respect for the rights, freedoms and legitimate interests of citizens, to ensure legality in the activities of state bodies and officials, and to protect the interests of society.
The Uzbekistan 2030 strategy, developed based on the results of public discussions in order to create a fair and modern state serving the people, identified such priority tasks as: creating the necessary conditions for public participation in the activities of local councils, broad involvement of civil society institutions and the gradual digitalization of their activities, establishing the practice of assessing the activities of heads of state bodies and their deputies based on public opinion, and intensified continuation of work to form an unparalleled attitude towards corruption in society.
As a result of public control, the activities of state bodies in the country are objectively studied, their shortcomings are identified, various violations of legislation are prevented, public participation in the implementation of laws and their preparation is ensured, broader conditions are created for the prompt solution of various problems in society and the will of the population, and special attention should be paid to the fact that public control implies not only control over the quality of the work performed, but also the use of opportunities, as well as participation in their development.
In conclusion, I would like to note that in our republic, constitutional status has been given a state public control. In the new Uzbekistan, the participation of citizens in the management of the affairs of society and the state, including the development and improvement of public control over the activities of state bodies, provides ample opportunities for the full-fledged formation and strengthening of civil society in our country. If the public control in the country is strong, the state is more humane, free and fair.
N.S.Rasulova, candidate of historical sciences Associate professor of the University of Public safety of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan: stable friendship and reliable partnership
📅 02.07.2025
New powers of the new Parliament of Uzbekistan
📅 28.08.2024The text of the article is in Uzbek!
Sincere congratulations to foreign partners
📅 16.06.2024
In connection with the advent of Eid al-Adha, the holy holiday of Eid al-Adha, which embodies such noble values as mercy, generosity, humanism and harmony, and promotes an atmosphere of mutual respect and tolerance in society, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has received heartfelt congratulations from the heads of foreign States and governments, respected public and religious figures and heads of leading international and regional organizations.
In their messages, they express to the head of our state and the multinational people of Uzbekistan words of sincere respect, wishes for peace, well-being and prosperity, as well as reaffirm their commitment to the full strengthening of relations of friendship and multifaceted cooperation.
Congratulations, in particular, were sent to:
The Minister, Two Holy Shrines, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia;
Crown Prince Muhammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia;
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of the Republic of Turkey;
Abdelfattah Al-Sisi, President of the Arab Republic of Egypt;
President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev;
President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov;
President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon;
President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov;
National leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Khalk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov;
Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan;
Sheikh Muhammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates;
Vice President, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum;
Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Presidential Affairs of the United Arab Emirates;
Shaikh Seif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior of the United Arab Emirates;
Turki bin Muhammad bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Minister of State and member of the Council of Ministers of Saudi Arabia;
Emir of the State of Kuwait Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah;
Crown Prince of the State of Kuwait Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Muborak Al-Sabah;
King Abdullah II of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan;
King Muhammad VI of Morocco;
Abdelmajid Tebboun, President of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria;
Mahmoud Abbas, President of the State of Palestine;
Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States Kubanychbek Omuraliev;
Secretary General of the Economic Cooperation Organization, Khusraw Noziri;
Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Hussein Ibrohim Taha;
Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Board.
Congratulations continue to pour in.
The Uzbekistan-Korea summit has ended
📅 15.06.2024
The state visit of the President of the Republic of Korea Yoon Seok-yol at the invitation of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has ended.
During the three-day visit, high-level talks were held, at the end of which the leaders signed a joint statement on further deepening and comprehensive expansion of the Special Strategic Partnership. A bilateral set of documents was received.
The heads of state participated in a joint business forum with the participation of representatives of leading Korean companies and banking and financial institutions.
The presidents visited the Technopark in Tashkent and got acquainted with the existing potential for industrial cooperation.
Today, the dialogue between the heads of state continued in Samarkand. The presidents and their wives got acquainted with the historical and architectural masterpieces of the ancient city.
After the end of the visit, President Yun Sok Yol and his wife were escorted by President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and his wife at the airport.
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