New Uzbekistan on the Eve of the 34th Anniversary of Independence

In the Presidential Decree of the Republic of Uzbekistan dated July 10, 2024, “On preparation and celebration of the thirty-fourth anniversary of the state independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan”, it was determined to celebrate this glorious date at a high level, in accordance with the development of New Uzbekistan and its authority on the world stage.

As a result of large-scale reforms carried out during the years of independence, the foundations of national statehood have been strengthened, sovereignty and the inviolability of borders ensured. Significant work has been done to consolidate an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, interethnic harmony and tolerance, the rule of law, as well as the protection of human rights, freedoms, and legitimate interests.

In particular, in the short period since the beginning of building New Uzbekistan, there has been rapid economic growth, with GDP for the first time in history exceeding 110 billion USD. Large-scale programs and projects for the transition to a “green” and innovative economy, as well as the creation of alternative energy sources, will ensure the country’s competitiveness in economic development and, most importantly, create a basis for further improvement of the well-being of our citizens.

Today, the world is more unsettled than ever. Trade wars and armed conflicts negatively affect the stability of the global economy.

Under such difficult conditions, processes of democratic renewal are being implemented in all spheres and sectors of Uzbekistan. In particular, as an equal subject of international relations, our country is pursuing an active, pragmatic foreign policy at the regional and global levels, developing mutually beneficial relations with foreign partners.

Central Asia and the European Union are traditional partners, and these relations have reached a new stage. The first “Central Asia – European Union” summit was held in Samarkand.

In his speech, the President of Uzbekistan emphasized that in recent years, our relations, which have deep historical roots, are rapidly developing and strengthening in modern conditions. In particular, he said:

“We are witnessing the intensification of geopolitical tensions, security problems, major regional conflicts, as well as social and economic challenges to sustainable development. It is obvious that no region alone, without broad international cooperation, can cope with such complex issues. In this regard, I would like to stress that Central Asia and the European Union are traditional partners, and the demand for closer cooperation is only increasing. We share the commitment of the European side to the principles and norms of international law.”

The European Union is the most developed regional integration bloc in the world. It unites 27 states, including three members of the G7 – Germany, France, and Italy. More than 500 million people live within its territory. The nominal GDP of the region exceeds 19 trillion euros, and in purchasing power parity, it amounts to 26 trillion euros.

As the world’s largest export market, the EU seeks to stimulate the global movement of its goods and further develop foreign trade and economic relations. For this reason, it strives to strengthen cooperation with Central Asia.

In 2024, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and the EU countries amounted to 6.4 billion USD, which is 5.2 percent more than the previous year. More than one thousand enterprises with European capital are operating in the republic, and the volume of investment projects has reached 30 billion euros.

In recent years, Uzbekistan’s cooperation with Russia, China, the United States, Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Turkey, and major Asian states has further strengthened. In particular, significant progress has been made with the Central Asian republics in elevating relations to a qualitatively new level in the spirit of mutual friendship, good neighborliness, and strategic partnership in all areas.

Uzbekistan has also developed practical cooperation in combating terrorism and other threats, and in maintaining peace within the framework of the UN, SCO, CIS, CSTO, and other international organizations.

The solemn presentation by the President of our country of one of the highest state awards of Uzbekistan – the “Order of Highest Friendship” – to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, for his active promotion of solidarity and unity in the world, improving the effectiveness of the organization, and strengthening cooperation between Uzbekistan and the UN, is a result of broad reforms and initiatives of global and regional importance. This also demonstrates that the activities of UN institutions in Uzbekistan receive full support.

Attention should also be paid to the dynamics of changes in the internal policy of the republic. It is expected that by the end of the first half of 2025, GDP growth will be in the range of 6.7–6.8 percent. In particular, industrial output is expected to grow by 6.3 percent, market services by 13.5 percent, agriculture by 4 percent, and construction works by 9.7 percent.

The volume of market services reached 459.7 trillion soums, increasing by 13.5 percent compared to the same period last year. It is estimated that communication and IT services will grow by 23.2 percent, financial services by 18.2, transport by 13.6, trade by 9.2, education by 9.1, and accommodation and catering services by 7.5 percent. Revenues from trade and paid services also increased by 25.9 percent compared to the same period last year.

In the first half of the year, exports amounted to 16.9 billion USD. Exports of goods and services (excluding special exports) are expected to increase by 23 percent (10.4 billion USD).

In general, in recent years, fundamental changes in Uzbekistan’s foreign economic activity have also been reflected in the development of exports. This is confirmed by the fact that in the first half of the year, export volumes reached almost 17 billion USD, an increase of 33 percent. This is a significant result of consistent and rational economic policy.

Forming an export-oriented economy in the country is one of today’s priority tasks. In this direction, a number of systemic measures have been implemented, including simplification of export procedures, the possibility of exporting through an electronic platform, state support programs for local producers, as well as expanded political-diplomatic activities to enter new export markets.

As a result, in the first six months of this year, 1,557 new enterprises were involved in export activities, exporting products worth 650 million USD. This shows that the business climate in Uzbekistan has fundamentally improved. Our goal is ambitious, and we are inspired by high achievements, for which we are making maximum efforts.

Reforms aimed at modernizing agriculture, localizing industry, forming a construction materials cluster, and developing tourism and information technologies also contribute to the sustainable growth of exports. In particular, fruit and vegetable exports amounted to 243 million USD, an increase of 140 percent. Exports of jewelry increased 4.6 times and reached 170 million USD, information services rose to 219 million (up 193 percent), and tourism exports reached 705 million (up 154 percent).

High rates of export growth are also observed across regions. In particular, Tashkent – 493 million USD (131 percent), Samarkand – 138 percent, Surkhandarya – 162 percent, Fergana, Khorezm, and Navoi – over 100 percent. This demonstrates the success of the policy of granting broad powers to local authorities, state support for regional projects, and the creation of export infrastructure.

Such significant results serve to further strengthen national independence. Today, the processes of historical renewal, reforms to build New Uzbekistan, are aimed at ensuring the economic stability of our Motherland, improving the well-being of citizens, creating conditions to unlock their opportunities and potential, and ensuring that the people are satisfied not tomorrow, but today.

All – in the name of the Motherland, the nation, and the people.

Jamila Bobonazarova
Member of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan
IA “Dunyo”