President Mirziyoyev Unveils Strategic Reforms for Uzbekistan’s Future Growth
Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: Today, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev led a comprehensive review of key strategic reforms set to shape Uzbekistan’s trajectory for the year, as outlined in the visionary Strategy “Uzbekistan – 2030.”
The overarching goal of the strategy is to elevate Uzbekistan’s economic standing by 2030, targeting a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of US$160 billion and per capita income reaching US$4,000. This ambitious objective places Uzbekistan among countries with upper-middle-income levels, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s economic development.
The President emphasized the necessity for continuous economic transformation, creating a conducive investment environment, and adding substantial value to the agricultural sector. The proposed reforms cover five pivotal areas: transport, urbanization and town planning, entrepreneurship development, agriculture, and energy.
Recognizing the importance of transport capabilities for economic development, President Mirziyoyev highlighted the ongoing efforts to diversify air and railway routes. Last year, six airlines were established, and 28 new aircraft were acquired. The private sector’s involvement at Samarkand International Airport was also underscored. The President urged for the swift transformation of Uzbekistan Airports and Uzbekistan Airways, emphasizing the successful model of transferring airports to the private sector for efficient management.
Focusing on urbanization and town planning, the President outlined plans to increase the number of cities and districts with populations exceeding 300 thousand from 13 to 28 in the next seven years. Stressing the importance of comprehensive urban planning, he called for the development of a law and concept on urbanization to optimize infrastructure costs and preserve agricultural land.
The President addressed the need for a more favorable business environment through well-defined rules for public-private partnerships, particularly in critical sectors like roads, water supply, education, and healthcare. The proposal includes collaboration with industry and regional leaders to formulate a program for these projects.
President Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of transferring certain state functions to the private sector, including landscaping and the management of free economic zones, to enhance efficiency and encourage private enterprise.
In the agricultural sector, the President called for innovative solutions to boost productivity, reduce costs, and modernize outdated approaches. Specific measures to achieve these goals were highlighted.
Acknowledging the significance of a stable energy supply for sustained economic growth, the President announced the commencement of 122 major investment projects totaling US$50 billion. The necessity to create a robust legal framework and reliable investor guarantees was stressed.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev concluded the presentation by setting a clear timeline, stating, “In 2024, we should complete all processes of building the foundation of a market economy and in 2025 bring the national economy to a completely new level of quality.” He urged the involvement of all research institutes in the reform process, emphasizing the preparation of a comprehensive “road map.”
The unveiled reforms align with Uzbekistan’s vision for a prosperous and modern future, driven by sustainable economic growth and strategic development.
