Uzbekistan Introduces New Strategies to Combat Poverty and Unemployment

Tashkent, The Gulf Observer: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has outlined an ambitious plan to tackle poverty and unemployment in Uzbekistan through innovative and targeted measures, including significant investments in employment creation and poverty reduction strategies.

During a presentation on the government’s approach, President Mirziyoyev highlighted the goal of employing 5.2 million citizens and lifting 1.5 million people out of poverty in 2025. For the first time, 60 districts and cities will be designated as areas free from poverty and unemployment.

Key initiatives include collaborating with mahalla bankers to ensure permanent employment for 1.5 million individuals and involving over 2 million citizens in small business activities. To support these efforts, 120 trillion UZS in credit funds will be allocated this year for small business projects.

Innovative Poverty Reduction Strategies

Drawing on international best practices, Uzbekistan plans to implement 32 new strategies aimed at poverty alleviation:

• Renewable Energy Projects: Solar power plants with a total capacity of 107 MW will be built in 300 underdeveloped mahallas, creating cooperative-based employment for low-income families.
• Agricultural Development: In 123 districts, jobs will be offered to low-income citizens for forest and nursery development across 20,000 hectares and the cultivation of medicinal plants. A subsidy of 375,000 UZS will be provided for every 100 trees planted.
• Tourism and E-Commerce: Guesthouses and dining facilities will be established in areas with tourism potential, while e-commerce centers will be created at postal offices to provide employment for underprivileged individuals.

Long-Term Goals

By 2025, the government aims to implement poverty reduction projects in 6,472 mahallas, improving the lives of 210,000 individuals. Special attention will be given to remote villages with challenging conditions. The Uzbekistan Mahalla Association will focus on fostering an entrepreneurial mindset, reducing dependency, and enhancing economic activity among low-income families.

President Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of a systematic and data-driven approach to executing these initiatives. All projects will be recorded on a digital platform, with new jobs verified through the tax database. The Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction will oversee implementation and monitor progress.

Training programs for local hokimiyat officials and mahalla representatives will ensure the effective execution of these strategies, promoting best practices across the country.

The President described 2025 as a decisive year in the fight against unemployment and poverty, urging authorities to work diligently to achieve the ambitious targets.