President Mirziyoyev Highlights Record Growth, Unveils Ambitious Reform Program for 2026
Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on December 26 delivered his annual Address to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan, highlighting major socio-economic achievements over the past nine years and unveiling wide-ranging reform priorities for 2026 as the country enters a “decisive stage” of building the New Uzbekistan.
Opening his address, President Mirziyoyev said Uzbekistan has made substantial progress in strengthening the economy, expanding market relations, enhancing social protection, and reinforcing the rule of law, with reforms now tangibly improving daily life across mahallas, families, and communities. He stressed that despite global and regional challenges, democratic reforms were implemented consistently, supported by public unity, youth engagement, entrepreneurship, and a constructive, balanced foreign policy.
The President reported that for the first time in Uzbekistan’s history, gross domestic product exceeded $145 billion in 2025, while exports rose by 23 percent to $33.4 billion. Gold and foreign exchange reserves surpassed $60 billion, and foreign investment inflows reached $43.1 billion, accounting for 31.9 percent of GDP. International rating agencies upgraded Uzbekistan’s sovereign rating from “BB–” to “BB,” reflecting growing investor confidence. Electricity generation increased to 85 billion kilowatt-hours following energy-sector reforms.
Significant social gains were also highlighted. Clean drinking water was provided to 715,000 residents in 188 mahallas, while water supply improved for more than 2.3 million people nationwide. Sustainable income sources were created for five million citizens, reducing unemployment from 5.5 percent to 4.9 percent. Around 1.5 million people were lifted out of poverty, and 1,435 mahallas became “poverty-free” for the first time. The national poverty rate declined from 8.9 percent to 5.8 percent within a year.
President Mirziyoyev noted major advances in education and social protection, including expanded access to kindergartens for children from low-income families and the introduction of inclusive education in more than 200 preschools. He stated that more than 8.5 million people have been lifted out of poverty since reforms began, achieving ahead of schedule the goal of halving poverty by the end of 2026.
On foreign policy, the President said Uzbekistan has emerged as an international platform for dialogue, hosting major global and regional events in 2025. He highlighted the signing of a historic border junction treaty with Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, proposals to establish a Central Asian Community, and the admission of Azerbaijan as a full participant in the regional format. He also cited strengthened partnerships with the European Union, the United States, Japan, and the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Emphasizing the central role of the mahalla in social cohesion, President Mirziyoyev proposed declaring 2026 the Year of Mahalla Development and Social Prosperity, an initiative that received broad support. More than 9,000 mahallas are to be transformed into centers of unity, justice, education, and social care.
Outlining priorities for 2026, the President identified six key areas: modernizing mahalla infrastructure; transitioning to technological and innovative economic growth; stimulating domestic demand; reforming the labor market and professional education; ensuring ecological balance and expanding green energy; and deepening public administration and judicial reforms.
Among major initiatives, the government plans to launch 782 industrial and infrastructure projects worth $52 billion, establish data centers and artificial intelligence laboratories nationwide, and begin preparations for Uzbekistan’s first satellite launch and the country’s first spaceflight mission. Economic growth is projected at 6.6 percent in 2026, with GDP expected to reach $167 billion.
President Mirziyoyev also announced large-scale investments in housing, tourism, transport, education, healthcare, environmental protection, and water conservation. He pledged to intensify the fight against corruption, declaring 2026 a year of “state of emergency” in combating the scourge, alongside expanded digital governance and strengthened civil society participation.
Concluding his address, the President said Uzbekistan would continue pursuing an open, balanced foreign policy while revising the Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy through broad public consultation. He called on citizens to remain united in advancing reforms, expressing confidence in the country’s people and youth to achieve the nation’s long-term development goals.
“If we act together as one united nation, we will undoubtedly achieve the great goals we have set,” President Mirziyoyev said.
