Employment and Sustainable Growth in Central Asia Discussed at CERR

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) hosted an international scientific and practical discussion focused on employment and sustainable economic growth in Central Asia.

The event featured the presentation of the new World Bank analytical report, “Europe and Central Asia Economic Update: Jobs and Welfare”, which reviews macroeconomic trends, labor market dynamics, and strategies for adapting regional economies to global challenges.

Representatives of the World Bank, government agencies, think tanks, international organizations, and experts from several countries participated in the dialogue.

Growth, Reforms, and New Challenges

Naji Benhassine, World Bank Regional Director for Central Asia, emphasized that employment is becoming one of the key challenges of the coming decades.

“Central Asia faces a major challenge — the working-age population will grow significantly over the next 20 years. Uzbekistan demonstrates strong economic growth thanks to the large-scale reforms implemented under the country’s leadership. Maintaining this momentum is crucial not only for sustaining growth but also for ensuring full employment for young people,” Benhassine noted.

He added that creating jobs that match the skills and ambitions of the new generation is fundamental to building a “prosperous and inclusive future where every citizen can contribute to and benefit from national development.”

Uzbekistan’s Role and Regional Cooperation

Nozimjon Ortikov, Deputy Director of CERR, highlighted the need for joint regional efforts:

“Drawing on research and accumulated experience, we can build an economy resilient to external shocks and turn Central Asia into a region of opportunities for all,” he said.

Ortikov stressed that green economy development and the adoption of artificial intelligence require active collaboration between government, business, and international partners to create inclusive and sustainable jobs.

Key Findings of the Report

Ivan Torre, Senior Economist at the World Bank for Europe and Central Asia, presented the report’s main conclusions. Priority areas include the development of human capital and infrastructure, improving the business environment, and stimulating private investment.

The report notes that Central Asian countries maintain strong macroeconomic prospects, with real GDP growth forecast at 5% in 2026 and 4.6% in 2027. The main growth drivers will be Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.

The World Bank projects Uzbekistan’s GDP to increase by 6.2% in 2025 and 6% in 2026, placing it among the fastest-growing economies in the region.

New employment centers are emerging in the renewable energy and rare-earth mineral sectors, which are essential for high-tech production. The region’s strategic location, growing energy demand, and land resources open additional opportunities for solar and wind energy projects.

Labor Market Trends and Outlook

Experts noted that employment in the region is growing steadily but moderately, with Uzbekistan making the largest contribution—its job creation rate outpacing GDP growth. Kazakhstan also remains a key driver of regional development, though its labor market impact is less pronounced.

Overall, Central Asia demonstrates a positive correlation between employment and economic growth, indicating the ability of regional economies to translate growth into tangible opportunities for the population.

Exchange of Knowledge and Research

Participants discussed ways to strengthen employment, stimulate investment, and enhance the resilience of national economies. The meeting reaffirmed the importance of continuous exchange of analytical materials between national and international research centers.

The CERR platform once again served as a venue for deepening regional dialogue on inclusive growth, employment, and the welfare of Central Asia’s population.