President Proposes Declaring 2026 in Uzbekistan the “Year of Mahalla Development and Social Prosperity”

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered his Address to the Oliy Majlis and the multinational people of the country.

“Over the past nine years, together with you, together with our people, we have traversed a long path of development.

Our economy has been rebuilt, we have expanded market relations and the social protection system, and we have strengthened the rule of law.

Most importantly, the results of our reforms are being felt in the daily life of every mahalla, every household, and every individual.

In short, we have learned to turn reforms into real, practical results.

This is clearly evident in our cities and villages that are acquiring an increasingly modern appearance, in the examples of modern enterprises, trade and service centers, schools, kindergartens and hospitals, improved streets and mahallas, the transport and logistics system, and digital services,” the Head of State said at the beginning of his address.

“Today, we are concluding an extremely challenging year together, amid alarming circumstances, at a time when the world is undergoing changes that no one could have imagined just recently, when economic contradictions between states are deepening and security threats are growing,” the President stated.

Despite all difficulties, democratic reforms continued consistently. Thanks to the support of our people and the energy and determination of our youth; the strengthening role and influence of the mahalla, which has become the foundation of unity in society; the transformation of people’s consciousness and worldview and the further consolidation of our nation; entrepreneurial initiative, the dedicated work of businesspeople, dehqans and farmers; as well as a friendly foreign policy based on mutually beneficial cooperation, significant progress was achieved in all areas in 2025.

Above all, even as global production and transport-logistics chains were disrupted and prices for raw materials and financial resources increased, our national economy has continued to grow confidently and steadily.

These results have been recognized by the international community and reputable international organizations.

“Consider this: nine years ago, the prospect of our economy reaching 100 billion US dollars seemed like a very high benchmark.

This year, for the first time in our history, our gross domestic product has exceeded 145 billion US dollars. Such impressive results clearly demonstrate the extraordinary achievements our people are capable of,” the Head of State declared.

It was noted that in the context of changing “rules of the game” in the global trading system, Uzbekistan’s exports increased by 23 percent this year and reached 33.4 billion US dollars. Most importantly, our gold and foreign exchange reserves exceeded 60 billion US dollars for the first time.

This year, the volume of foreign investment attracted into our economy reached 43.1 billion US dollars.

The share of total investment in GDP stands at 31.9 percent, forming a foundation for maintaining high and sustainable economic growth rates in the coming years.

Uzbekistan’s authority and influence on the international stage, as well as its standing in international rankings, continue to strengthen.

In particular, leading international rating agencies upgraded the country’s sovereign rating from “BB-” to “BB”.

“These figures may seem like a simple fact to many, but economists, investors and bankers understand very well the magnitude of the results behind these words.

Owing to this change alone, interest rates on externally sourced financial resources will decrease by 1 to 1.5 percentage points, and external debt servicing costs will be reduced by 250 to 300 million US dollars per year,” the President emphasized.

Furthermore, Uzbekistan has risen 71 positions in the World Bank’s Government Technology Maturity Index and entered the top ten countries globally.

The year 2025 has also been a period of significant transformation in the development of infrastructure aimed at improving the wellbeing of the population and supporting business.

As a result of breakthrough reforms in the energy sector, electricity generation has increased to 85 billion kilowatt-hours.

This year, for the first time, clean drinking water was supplied directly to the homes of more than 715,000 residents in 188 mahallas, and access to potable water was improved for nearly 2.3 million people. In addition, irrigation water for household plots was supplied for the first time to 470,000 households in 867 “hardship” mahallas.

This year, 8.1 million square meters of multi-apartment housing will be commissioned, and citizens themselves have built housing totaling 19 million square meters to improve their living conditions.

Private sector representatives have constructed 24 million square meters of non-residential facilities.

In total, over the past nine years, 210 million square meters of residential and non-residential premises have been put into operation.

This year, 5 million people gained stable income, while the unemployment rate decreased from 5.5 percent to 4.9 percent. Nearly 1.5 million people in need emerged from poverty, and for the first time, 1,435 mahallas were granted the status of “poverty-free territories”.

A total of 168,000 children from low-income families were enrolled in state preschool institutions on preferential terms. This year, an inclusive education system was introduced for the first time in 208 kindergartens.

The national poverty rate declined from 8.9 percent at the beginning of the year to 5.8 percent.

“When we began this work, one third of the population was below the poverty line.

Thanks to the introduction of a completely new social protection system — through more than one hundred types of services, such as loans, subsidies and compensation, and the transfer of their implementation to the ‘group of seven’ in the mahallas — more than 8.5 million people have emerged from poverty, and unemployment has halved.

As a result, we have fulfilled ahead of schedule the goal set three years ago — to halve poverty by the end of 2026 — already this year,” the President stressed.

“Speaking about our main achievements, it is important to note with satisfaction the victories of our determined athletes at prestigious international competitions,” the Head of State declared.

Above all, the year 2025 became truly historic for Uzbek football: for the first time in its history, the national team qualified for the FIFA World Cup.

Our talented chess players performed with distinction at the World Cup, and it was a particular source of pride for all of us that young grandmaster Javokhir Sindorov became the youngest holder of the World Cup title.

At last week’s World Rapid and Blitz Championship for players aged 9 to 17, representatives of our country won 5 gold, 2 silver and 5 bronze medals, taking first place in the overall team standings.

Our athletes, who demonstrated courage and resilience, achieved outstanding results at the recent Youth Para Asian Games, securing 125 gold, 77 silver and 52 bronze medals and delivering the best performance among all participating nations.

It was noted that gifted young men and women of our country, through their significant achievements in education, science, culture, arts, sports and other fields, are making a worthy contribution to the prosperity of the New Uzbekistan.

This year, our schoolchildren and students won 51 gold, 101 silver and 126 bronze medals at international academic Olympiads, demonstrating their knowledge and potential to the world.

As is known, next year Uzbekistan will host the 46th World Chess Olympiad, in 2027 the FIFA U-20 World Cup, and in 2029 the Asian Youth Games.

In addition, in 2026 our country will, for the first time, host prestigious international Olympiads in chemistry and informatics for school students, engineering competitions for students from Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states, as well as professional skills contests for vocational college students from Turkic-speaking countries.

The organization of such prestigious events will contribute to transforming our homeland into an advanced country of sport and science, strengthening its authority and increasing international recognition.

In recent years, our country has increasingly become an international platform for discussing global issues.

This year, Uzbekistan hosted the 150th anniversary Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the session of the UNESCO General Conference, the “Central Asia – European Union” summit, and the International Climate Forum.

In addition, at the meeting of the leaders of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan held in March in Khujand, a historic treaty on the meeting point of the state borders of the three countries was signed for the first time, along with the adoption of the “Declaration of Eternal Friendship”.

During the recent Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of the region in Tashkent, the idea was proposed to establish a strategic format — the “Central Asian Community” — to advance regional integration processes to a new qualitative stage. Of historic significance is the decision to accept Azerbaijan into the Central Asia format as a full-fledged participant.

As our President emphasized, this step will undoubtedly contribute to strengthening strategic connectivity and stability between Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

In October, the Agreement on Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation between Uzbekistan and the European Union was signed in Brussels.

The “Central Asia – United States” summit held in November became an important step in bringing multilateral and long-term cooperation to a fundamentally new level.

At the meeting of the leaders of Central Asia and Japan held last week in Tokyo, important agreements were reached in the fields of education, healthcare, digital technologies, infrastructure and industry.

Earlier this week, a meeting was held in St. Petersburg with the leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States, during which new areas of cooperation were identified.

“All these steps are elevating our international relations to a qualitatively new stage. We will continue to build bridges of cooperation with countries near and far, with East and West, North and South,” the President stated.

Two years ago, the “Uzbekistan – 2030” strategy set a goal to increase gross domestic product to 160 billion US dollars by 2030.

“You see for yourselves: thanks to our potential, ongoing reforms, the activity of entrepreneurs and the expansion of cooperation with international partners, we will be able to confidently achieve this goal as early as 2026,” the President said.

It is important to remember that in today’s global economy the decisive factors of competitiveness are skilled personnel, modern technologies, and professional specialists.

If we develop high value-added industries, increase the share of services that generate significant income, actively introduce bioengineering, advanced agricultural technologies and water-saving methods, “green” energy, zero-emission waste processing, and adopt the best international practices in education and healthcare by bringing in new technologies; if we train personnel for modern professions based on science and innovation, then over the next five years we have every opportunity to expand the economy to over US$240 billion.

“Today we are a great nation of more than 38 million people. We are a nation earning respect around the world through our steadfast and dignified work, a nation that looks to the future with confidence — courageous, proud, and resilient.

We do not wait for change — we create it ourselves, with our intellect, our responsibility, and our labor.

Looking at our youth and their achievements fills our hearts with pride; we see the tremendous creative force joining our ranks,” the Head of State emphasized.

It was noted that in these challenging times, the upbringing of young people as steadfast and devoted citizens, and the strengthening of unity and cohesion within society, largely depends on the role of the mahalla — a unique system of self-governance.

The mahalla and good neighborliness are interconnected values that make an invaluable contribution to strengthening the social capital of society.

This is also evidenced by the results of sociological surveys, according to which 90 percent of respondents consider themselves part of a mahalla community. The high level of connection to the country’s fate, formed at the mahalla level, confirms that this institution is above all a source of social solidarity.

“No matter how difficult the trials that have befallen us throughout history, our primary source of strength has always been unity. In difficult times, our people — the residents of the mahalla — stood shoulder to shoulder to overcome hardships. Families supported families, neighbors supported neighbors. We lived by helping each other. We must always remain true to this truly unique value and raise the younger generation in this spirit.

In our society today, the existence of different views and opinions is natural. It is a fundamental requirement of democracy.

But regardless of nationality, language, or religion, there is a great idea that unites our 38 million people. That idea is the interests of our Motherland, the interests of our nation.

The role and influence of the mahalla system in achieving this great goal are invaluable. For if the mahalla is peaceful and united, then society as a whole will be peaceful and united. If the mahalla develops, then our entire country will develop,” the President emphasized.

In light of this, the President proposed declaring 2026 in our country as the “Year of Mahalla Development and Societal Advancement.”

To implement the priority objectives defined in the name of the New Year, a dedicated state program document will be adopted.

This program will address urgent objectives such as transforming more than 9,000 mahallas throughout our country into centers of compassion, solidarity, justice, and upbringing.

“We are entering a decisive phase in building the New Uzbekistan. This path requires profound transformation in every sector and industry.

Our goal is clear: in the coming years, to join the ranks of countries with above-average income levels.”

“No matter where our citizen lives — from the Ferghana Valley to the Aral Sea region, from the Zarafshan oasis to Kashkadarya and Surkhandarya, from Tashkent to Jizzakh and Syrdarya — everyone should increasingly feel the results of reforms in their daily lives starting today.

Therefore, the upcoming 2026 will become a year of fundamental transformation in the development of public administration, the judicial and legal system, economic sectors, education, science, healthcare, culture, sports, ecology — in all spheres without exception,” the President emphasized.

The Head of State highlighted the most important priority directions that will be implemented in 2026.

The first priority will be the continued improvement of mahalla infrastructure and the introduction of the image of the New Uzbekistan into it.

“The well-being of the country begins, first and foremost, with the mahalla. People evaluate our reforms based on the condition of roads, water and electricity supply, transportation, and the quality of kindergartens, schools, and family polyclinics within the mahalla,” the President said.

Through a fundamental improvement of mahalla infrastructure, work will continue on the comprehensive development of our country and the further transformation of its appearance, making it even more beautiful and well-equipped.

Starting next year, a comprehensive approach will be introduced to the development of mahallas.

In each region, 2–3 districts will be selected where a system will be created capable of simultaneously addressing all mahalla issues. In these districts, entrepreneurial infrastructure will also develop in parallel.

To achieve these goals, a total of 8.5 trillion soums will be allocated from all sources.

Deputies will be provided with 500 billion soums to address issues in their constituencies. In addition, initiatives by deputies to create “green zones” and “green gardens” will receive an additional 330 million soums each.

Through this approach, by 2030, the image of the New Uzbekistan is expected to be implemented in all mahallas in districts facing challenging conditions.

To effectively organize these efforts, conditions must be created to double the revenues of district budgets.

To this end, starting January 1, 2026, 5 percent of value-added tax revenues will remain in the budget of Tashkent city, and 20 percent in other regions, with half of these funds allocated to district budgets.

Furthermore, 50 percent of any revenue exceeding planned targets, as well as income from leasing agricultural lands and market revenues, will be fully allocated to district budgets.

Regional and district leaders will be allowed to reduce inefficient and duplicative staff positions, directing the savings toward addressing issues identified by residents.

As a result, an additional 5 trillion soums will be generated in district budgets to improve mahalla infrastructure.

For the first time next year, 20 trillion soums will be allocated directly to regions for the development of mahalla infrastructure.

It is emphasized that every sum of this funding must generate added value for the population. Therefore, the money will not be allocated to a district as a whole but to specific projects that create jobs and income for residents. This project-based approach will guide the use of budgetary funds.

New reforms in urbanization and sustainable city development will also begin.”

In particular, specific criteria will be established to prevent unplanned urban sprawl, which will help avoid the unjustified reduction of arable land. For the first time in the republic, 45 agglomeration districts will be defined.

Next year, the “Sustainable City” platform will be launched, and a “Livability Index” will be introduced. This index will identify the characteristic urban problems of each mahalla and provide appropriate solutions.

“Our main goal is to ensure that our citizens are continuously provided for. A person with a stable income seeks to dress and eat well, access quality education and qualified healthcare, spend their time meaningfully, and, in short, live in prosperity,” the President stated.

It was noted that entrepreneurs play a decisive role in this process: they are on the front lines, creating industrial and service facilities, providing stable jobs, and training the population, particularly youth and women, in various professions, thereby turning mahallas into centers of employment and income.

Therefore, the policy of supporting entrepreneurship will continue: in 2026, the main tax rates will remain unchanged, and over 10 trillion soums will be allocated to projects for the development of entrepreneurial infrastructure.

For the development of small and medium-sized businesses, 140 trillion soums in resources will be provided, of which 43 trillion soums will be directed to support female and youth entrepreneurship.

In 2026, under the “Industry and Services in the Mahalla” project, 5 trillion soums in loans will be provided to launch more than 10,000 production and service projects.

A portion of the interest rate on loans—up to 10 percent in the national currency and up to 4 percent in foreign currency—will be compensated by the Entrepreneurship Support Company. As a result, 100,000 new jobs will be created in mahallas.

Each mahalla will implement 40 micro-projects to ensure employment for 360,000 people; for this purpose, mahalla bankers and assistants to the hokims will be allocated an additional 7.5 trillion soums in resources in 2026.

In the new year, a three-year plan will be adopted to widely engage mahalla residents, especially women, in sports, including the creation of the necessary infrastructure, with one trillion soums allocated for this purpose.

To increase youth interest in reading, school libraries will be annually supplied with 10 million literary books.

The second priority direction will be the transition of the economy to a model of technological and innovative growth.

“In conditions where competition in the global market is constantly intensifying, only countries producing high value-added products can secure their place. Therefore, in the future, the primary measure of the effectiveness of our reforms should be achieving high productivity in all sectors of the economy,” the President noted.

For example, in industry, thanks to the development of high-tech and energy-efficient sectors, it was possible this year to reduce fuel and energy consumption per dollar of production by 13 percent.

Thus, in order to raise the country’s GDP above 240 billion dollars by 2030, the most correct path is to transition all sectors of the economy to a model of technological and innovative growth.

This has been defined as the main direction of the economic development strategy for the coming years.

The favorable business environment in our country, demographic growth, and attention to human capital make Uzbekistan one of the most attractive countries for investors.

This year alone, new investment agreements worth 140 billion dollars were reached with foreign partners. Next year, 50 billion dollars of foreign investment is planned to be attracted.

It was emphasized that every dollar of investment must first and foremost contribute to the transfer of advanced technologies, the production of high value-added export products, increased efficiency in the use of energy, water, land, and other natural resources, training local workers to work with new technologies, and productivity growth.

“In other words, an investor bringing high technology and new competencies, focused on export, will become our reliable partner,” the President said.

For such strategic investors, land plots are provided at market value. If the land category is changed, the payment for the purchase may be made in installments over up to ten years.

Investors will not need to visit multiple institutions to arrange land, change its category, obtain construction permits, or connect to infrastructure. For them, an electronic “single-window” platform providing comprehensive services will be launched, connecting all ministries.

Well-known global brands are being attracted to free economic zones. Enterprises in these zones will be able to apply international technical regulations, environmental and labor standards.

A special investment, tax, customs, and legal regime will be introduced for them, along with the possibility to resolve arbitration disputes under international law.

As the President noted, over the next five years, thanks to 180 billion dollars of foreign investment, this will create one million high-income jobs.

To ensure that each investment agreement turns into a concrete project, that investments are attracted promptly, and that their efficiency is guaranteed, a separate new system will be created to work exclusively with investments. A similar separate system will be organized for the development of local industry and cooperation.

“In general, increasing the competitiveness of the economy, enhancing investment efficiency, and the technological transformation of industrial sectors require completely new approaches. For this, the activities of the ministries of economy and finance, investment, industry, and trade will be completely revised,” the President said.

A program for industrial development will be launched, transitioning to a new technological stage and expanding the value-added chain.

Under this program, goals have been set for the next five years: to increase the added value in industry from the current 36.5 billion dollars to at least 60 billion dollars and to expand production in high- and medium-high-tech sectors by 2.5 times.

To ensure thorough preparation, 782 new industrial and infrastructure projects with a total value of 52 billion dollars will be launched in 2026. In the following year, 228 new large-scale facilities worth 14 billion dollars will be commissioned.

For example, at the gold mines in Navoi, a 320-million-dollar ore extraction project has been launched, which will enable the additional processing of 2 million tons of ore. The next phase of development at the Murantov deposit and major projects at silver mines worth 2.3 billion dollars are also being implemented.

As a result, processing capacity of 18 million tons of ore per year will be created, and by 2030 gold production is expected to reach 175 tons.

Another major project is the construction of a new metallurgical complex at the Almalyk plant worth 2.7 billion dollars, with a capacity of 300,000 tons of cathode copper.

At the Samarkand Chemistry Plant, a 381-million-dollar project will be implemented, ensuring the production of 370,000 tons of phosphoric fertilizers and 540,000 tons of complex fertilizers per year.

In Kashkadarya, construction of a chemical plant worth 200 million dollars will begin. It will produce 50,000 tons of alkylbenzene annually for household chemicals, polymers, and synthetic fuels.

Overall, in 2026, new projects worth 4.5 billion dollars will be launched in the chemical industry; 3 billion dollars each in the mining and metallurgical, oil and gas, automotive, textile, and construction sectors; 2 billion dollars in the electrical engineering sector; and 800 million dollars in pharmaceuticals.

Thus, in 2026, total exports are expected to reach 40 billion dollars, with the share of finished and semi-finished products exceeding 55 percent.

The economy is projected to grow by 6.6 percent next year, with GDP reaching 167 billion dollars.

If productivity, energy efficiency, and production costs are actively improved, this figure could rise even further. Therefore, a “Doubling Productivity and Efficiency” program will be launched in industry.

The Ministry of Economy and Finance will implement a dedicated project to increase labor productivity and energy efficiency.

For this project, 200 million dollars in loans and grants from international financial institutions will be attracted. Highly qualified foreign technologists and engineers will be invited to industrial enterprises, business processes will be digitalized, audits conducted to reduce energy and other costs, and advanced technologies will be transferred.

A “Fourth Industrial Revolution Center” will be established in this sector. Based on it, a “regulatory mechanism” will be developed for the implementation of Industry 4.0 solutions in industrial enterprises, including robotics, the Internet of Things, and “smart factories.”

Enterprises will be able to test new technologies before implementing them in production.

Thanks to reforms in accreditation, metrology, and standardization, Uzbekistan has risen 15 positions over the past two years in the Global Quality Infrastructure Index, reaching 52nd place.

“This is undoubtedly good! But at the same time, we will bring technical regulation to a new level to increase the competitiveness of our products. For this, we will move from a ‘state control’ system to a ‘market control’ system, which has proven highly effective in international practice,” the President emphasized.

Enterprises producing high-tech, innovation-based products will be encouraged. Income of enterprise specialists from research and development will be tax-exempt.

Thanks to these reforms, over the next five years, labor productivity in industry will reach 30,000 dollars, and energy costs for generating 1,000 dollars of added value will decrease by 1.5 times.

Starting next year, the “Digital Startups” program will be expanded, creating a new support system for startups—from idea to export.

Under this initiative, the Youth Fund will provide interest-free loans of up to 5 billion soums for up to five years to organize private startup centers.

Additionally, a FinTech office and Innovation Hub will be established at the Central Bank, with specialists from Singapore. This will allow 15–20 fintech startups to enter the international market annually, attracting a total of 1 billion dollars in investment.

Special attention will be given to the development of venture funds, startups, fintech, and other new financial instruments, with the rights of all sector participants legally guaranteed.

The President urged parliament, together with the government, to draft a law “On Alternative Investment Funds.”

“We have set an ambitious goal—to increase IT services exports to 5 billion dollars by 2030,” the President noted.

Next year, four data centers, two supercomputers, and fifteen artificial intelligence laboratories will be opened in universities across Tashkent, Bukhara, Fergana, and the Tashkent region.

This will create opportunities to implement more than 100 artificial intelligence projects in key sectors such as healthcare, transportation, agriculture, geology, banking, and public safety.

Today, thousands of talented young people are conducting research in IT and artificial intelligence. To facilitate the practical implementation of their engineering projects in quantum technologies, drones, and robotics, a “Digital Technology Center” will be established.

“Today I want to share another important announcement. For the first time in the history of independent Uzbekistan, work has begun on launching an artificial satellite and preparing the first Uzbek cosmonaut. This will serve as a powerful incentive for the scientific and technological development of our country and elevate national development to a new level,” emphasized the President.

The Head of State noted that the capital market is an important institutional tool for stimulating economic growth, and it is necessary to attract global depositories to the national stock market.

To achieve this, it is important to quickly adopt a new draft law “On the Capital Market,” developed jointly with international financial organizations.

To reduce currency fluctuation risks, local companies will be allowed to issue bonds in foreign currencies on the domestic market.

Next year, enterprises will, for the first time, be able to list shares on international markets.

Developing the capital market will allow entrepreneurs to attract an additional 1 billion dollars in investment.

Measures already taken have reduced the share of the shadow economy from 45–50 percent to 28 percent, but this is only the first step.

To further reduce the shadow economy in 2026, all government services, utility payments, and sales of fuel, alcohol, tobacco, vehicles, and real estate will be transitioned to cashless transactions.

The use of video cameras will become mandatory during inspections in seventeen areas, including taxation, customs, sanitary and epidemiological supervision, standardization, quarantine, construction control, and fire safety.

Entrepreneurs wishing to voluntarily bring their business out of the shadows will be provided free training in accounting, statistics, and tax reporting.

“Some citizens have concerns regarding the use of income and assets obtained domestically or abroad. Therefore, deputies and the Central Bank, together with international organizations, will prepare proposals so that our citizens can freely use their income and assets,” the President noted.

The President also addressed the third priority area: stimulating domestic demand.

The abundance of goods in our markets, price stability, and growing consumer demand are key indicators of improved quality of life.

One of the main factors driving domestic demand is the level of inflation.

Over the past nine years, a favorable business environment has been created, the volume and variety of goods and services have increased, and low-income families are provided with no less than 1 billion dollars in affordable loans annually. Inflation has been reduced to a single-digit level, resulting in a doubling of purchasing power.

Surveys and analyses by international experts confirm that the financial situation of 75 percent of the population has significantly improved.

“Of course, we will not stop at these results and will consistently continue work to increase the incomes and purchasing power of our citizens,” the President emphasized.

Considering the population’s needs, the economy will generate the largest demand for mortgage housing: in 2026, 23 trillion soums will be allocated for this purpose.

To cover part of the initial payment and mortgage interest, 2.7 trillion soums in subsidies will be provided.

In addition, the maximum amount of concessional mortgage credit per apartment will be increased by 15 percent.

Next year, 140,000 multi-apartment buildings are planned to be constructed, which will naturally increase demand for essential consumer goods. To meet this demand, 125 trillion soums in consumer loans will be allocated in 2026.

Overall, in 2026, the volume of construction work is expected to grow by 11 percent, reaching 30 billion dollars.

This year, the volume of services grew by almost 15 percent, reaching 82 billion dollars.

To stimulate demand for services in 2026, 85 trillion soums in loans and 9 trillion soums in subsidies will be directed to the sector. In particular, 7 trillion soums are allocated from the budget for educational services.

Over the next five years, the goal is to double the number of foreign tourists and increase the volume of tourism services to 20 billion dollars. Special attention will be given to developing tourism infrastructure.

In Samarkand, modern pedestrian walkways and bridges will be built connecting the Bibi-Khanym Complex, Registan, Amir Timur’s Mausoleum, Ulugh Beg Observatory, Shakhi-Zinda, and the Afrosiyob Museum.

In Shakhrisabz, the first phase of the large Gelon tourist complex will be launched. In the Pop district, the Arashan-Gor tourist zone is being created.

In Khiva, Ichan-Kala will be transformed into an immersive, “smart” museum city.

In Khorezm and Karakalpakstan, a major tourist route will be established along archaeological sites.

Additionally, entrepreneurs will commission more than 3,500 new service sector facilities totaling 4 billion dollars next year.

To organize tourist zones over the next three years, 5,000 hectares of land will be offered at auctions.

Furthermore, from 2026, the “Heritage Hotels of Uzbekistan” program will begin.

To create boutique hotels at cultural heritage sites through private partnerships, well-known hotel chains will be engaged. Participants in the program will be provided with incentives regarding land, property, profit tax, and customs duties.

Thanks to these measures, the services market is expected to exceed 100 billion dollars in 2026.

The growth in tourist flow will require doubling the capacity of air and rail passenger transport. Therefore, in 2026, the number of aircraft in the fleet will increase to 120.

To increase domestic air travel, a new subsidy system will be introduced. A fixed subsidy will now be provided for each ticket sold, regardless of its price. This will reduce ticket costs and stimulate demand.

Additionally, to train pilots for new aircraft, as well as specialists in maintenance, service, and airport management, a Civil Aviation University will be established.

A five-year plan for the development of domestic railways will be adopted. From 2026, construction of another 500 kilometers of high-speed rail lines to connect cities will begin.

Next year, 110 kilometers of railway connecting the Boka, Piskent, Bekabad, Boyovut districts, and the city of Nurafshan with the capital will be built. Construction of a new high-speed passenger train line on the Tashkent–Samarkand route will also begin.

Stations in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Navoi will be transferred to private partnership management.

According to the United Nations, high-quality roads contribute at least 2 percent to economic growth.

To improve the quality of highways and increase transit potential, a five-year plan will be implemented.

Within this plan, 4,000 kilometers of highways connecting Andijan with Kungrad, Tashkent with Termez, Samarkand with Shakhrisabz, and Alat with Sariosiy will be transformed into international motorways (“autobahns”).

In 2026, reconstruction of 300 kilometers of public roads passing through Karakalpakstan, Bukhara, Kashkadarya, and Surkhandarya will be completed.

Construction of 800 kilometers of high-speed roads will begin along the following routes: Tashkent–Samarkand, Tashkent–Andijan, Tashkent–Bostanlyk, Pungon–Namangan, and Karshi–Shakhrisabz.

From now on, during road design, strict legislative requirements will be enforced regarding public consultation, the environmental impact of transport, and the creation of a “barrier-free” environment for pedestrians.

Rising incomes and increasing foreign tourist flows will increase demand for food by 1.5 times over the next five years.

Therefore, major steps are being taken to increase agricultural production from the current 40 billion to 60 billion dollars.

To ensure stable prices for basic food products throughout the year, a permanent intervention system will be implemented from 2026.

Resources allocated to “Food Funds” in the regions will be increased 2.5 times, reaching 500 billion soums.

Additionally, in 1,000 settlements specializing in fruits and vegetables, small refrigerated storage facilities with a capacity of up to 100 tons will be built.

These measures will help reduce inflation next year to 6–6.5 percent.

The development of professions and creation of a new labor market architecture is the fourth priority of next year’s program.

Currently, under the influence of new technologies, digitalization, and artificial intelligence, the number, form, and content of jobs worldwide are changing dramatically.

Over the next five years, 30 percent of existing professions will be fully automated, and 50 percent will require mastery of new competencies.

“These processes do not bypass our country either. In industry, automated lines; in agriculture, smart technologies; in transport, intelligent management have become part of everyday reality.

“Now, the labor market in our country must operate on a completely new architecture — as a unified mechanism integrating profession, qualifications, technology, and education,” the President emphasized.

Recently, a five-year plan was approved to implement a modern environment and updated infrastructure in technical colleges.

“My goal is for our young people to be competitive globally in in-demand professions and, if necessary, to outperform others. To achieve this, technical colleges, which are a key link in vocational education, will be brought to a new qualitative level,” the President stressed.

Starting in 2026, at least 100 technical colleges will be fully renovated and equipped each year to meet technological requirements and the demands of current professions.

The number of technical colleges implementing advanced educational programs from countries such as Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, China, and Korea will reach 100 institutions.

In 2026, advanced professional skill colleges and “Career Towns” will begin operating in seven regions, and by 2027, in the remaining regions.

Advanced professional skill colleges will serve as methodological and practical bases for other technical colleges in their regions, while “Career Towns” will guide schoolchildren toward modern professions in construction, services, agriculture, industry, transport, and “green” energy.

Collaboration between technical colleges and employers will also be elevated to a new level.

For example, enterprises that effectively organize training under the “dual education” system will be provided with preferential loans of up to 5 billion soums for a term of seven years. Such companies will also receive an additional five points in the entrepreneurial ranking.

For enterprises employing technical college students, the one-percent social tax benefit will be extended for three more years.

Moreover, from 2026, students enrolled in the “dual education” system will receive scholarships for the first time. Students with excellent academic performance and who successfully master their chosen profession will be granted increased scholarships.

Attention will also be strengthened on preparing highly intellectual personnel for priority sectors of the economy.

A decision was made to place the Jizzakh Polytechnic Institute under the administration of the prestigious Hungarian university “Óbuda.” An agreement has also been reached to establish a new university of exact sciences in cooperation with the National University of Tsukuba in Uzbekistan.

This experience will continue, and leading global universities will be engaged with our exact sciences and technical universities.

Another key issue is that around 300,000 university graduates enter the labor market each year.

A digital ecosystem will now be created to serve as a “bridge” between university graduates and employers. It will display students’ academic records and information on job vacancies at enterprises in real time.

This ecosystem will allow graduates to find suitable jobs and enterprises to attract qualified personnel.

Professional education in the medical system has also begun: in cooperation with the British company Pearson, nurses are being trained to international standards in one technical college in each region.

Now, educational programs from countries such as Germany, Switzerland, the United States, and Japan will be implemented in these technical colleges. This will create a nursing workforce meeting international standards and proficient in foreign languages.

Extensive reforms will also continue actively in the digitalization of healthcare.

A “master plan” is being developed to organize medical institutions on a unified basis.

Additionally, 3.5 trillion soums will be allocated to address non-communicable diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, cancer, nephrology, as well as transplantation, vaccination, and maternal and child health.

The fifth priority is ensuring ecological balance, developing “green” energy, and the rational use of water resources.

A credit line of 100 million dollars will be opened for large enterprises to install filters, treatment facilities, and emission monitoring stations to control harmful atmospheric pollutants.

In Tashkent and the Tashkent region, there are about 2,000 greenhouses heated with coal and gas. The phase-out of coal-fired boilers without filters will be carried out. They will be relocated outside the capital, and heating for all facilities will be centralized through modern boiler systems.

To support this goal, agro-clusters of at least 200 hectares will be created, including greenhouses willing to switch to centralized heating, with separate subsidies provided.

An ecological sticker system for vehicles will be introduced.

It was noted that traffic congestion in cities creates not only difficulties for people but also causes serious environmental damage.

Therefore, based on global experience, a system of ecological stickers will be implemented for vehicles according to their level of harmful emissions.

Entry of high-emission vehicles into the capital, regional centers, and cities will be restricted.

To support the replacement of such vehicles with new ones or the installation of filters, the state will provide targeted assistance. A special fund will be established for these purposes.

Drivers wishing to replace an old vehicle will receive partial compensation for the interest on an auto loan. Those who install filters to reduce emissions will be granted subsidies to cover part of the costs.

Developing public transport in the capital and major cities will become a priority. The number of dedicated lanes for buses and taxis will increase in city streets. In Tashkent, Samarkand, and Namangan, an intelligent traffic signal management system will be implemented.

The use of electric vehicles will be further incentivized.

A five-year program to increase the number of environmentally friendly vehicles will be implemented. Domestic electric vehicles will be eligible for auto loans at 12 percent, and foreign-made electric vehicles at 16 percent.

Entrepreneurs establishing charging stations for electric vehicles will receive preferential loans at 10 percent and the opportunity to purchase land at auction at half the usual price.

For charging electric vehicles at these stations, any electricity costs exceeding 300 soums per kilowatt-hour will be reimbursed from the state budget.

Citizens providing taxi services with electric vehicles will also be granted benefits.

To prevent dust and sandstorms, a “green zone” of 10,000 hectares will be created in Surkhandarya, and an 84-kilometer “green wall” in Syrdarya.

In Karakalpakstan, Khorezm, Bukhara, and Navoi, a total of 250,000 hectares, including 115,000 hectares of the dried Aral seabed, will be planted with trees and shrubs.

Each region will also establish botanical and dendrological gardens, as well as twenty shaded pedestrian alleys.

To implement eco-standards in enterprises over the next five years, at least 30,000 environmental managers will be required. Therefore, in 2026, each region will establish “green” technical colleges, training 10,000 specialists annually under the dual education system.

In the coming year, the activities of the Central Asian Green University will be expanded. Comprehensive laboratories will be established to assess air, water, and soil quality. Research will be conducted in cities to enhance natural ventilation.

Overall, 1.9 trillion soums will be allocated to the environmental sector in 2026.

“In the world, water scarcity is becoming increasingly critical. Therefore, from the very first days of our reforms, the rational use of water has been elevated to the level of state policy,” the President emphasized.

In 2026, a total of 3.3 trillion soums will be allocated to implement water-saving technologies.

Additionally, 1,300 kilometers of major trunk canals will be concreted, which will save an additional 500 million cubic meters of water annually.

A separate program will also be adopted to convert open drainage channels into closed systems, and major projects will begin to transfer canals into enclosed pipelines.

In the capital, regional centers, and cities, irrigation and drainage systems will be restored to increase green zones.

Under a major $160 million program in Tashkent, 150 kilometers of closed drainage systems will be built, 197 kilometers of existing canals and collectors will be repaired, and 63 kilometers of new canals laid, creating a cooler microclimate in the city.

The sixth priority remains reforms in modern public administration and a fair judicial system.

First and foremost, from 2026, the “Electronic Government” platform will undergo a comprehensive update.

Over 1,000 public services, more than 5,000 functions and duties, 240 databases and information systems, and the powers of over 100,000 civil servants at the levels of mahallas, districts, regions, and the republic will be integrated into a single digital platform.

Requests submitted to the platform, their distribution to executors, and monitoring of response times will be managed using artificial intelligence.

“The main goal is to create an ecosystem for providing public services without human involvement, free from corruption and excessive bureaucracy. A system for proactive and comprehensive provision of government services will be developed,” the President emphasized.

Currently, the Oliy Majlis possesses all the oversight powers typical of strong parliaments.

In particular, since 2023, the parliament has determined the level of external debt.

The President proposed granting the parliament authority to approve the taking on of external debt under state guarantees.

From that point on, cases of direct procurement of goods, works, and services in public procurement will be determined exclusively by law.

As part of constitutional reforms, the positions of regional khokims and heads of local councils have been separated. From 2026, this system will be introduced in an additional 208 districts and cities.

“Currently, this significant political reform requires a complete change in the attitude of khokims and executive bodies toward the Councils. Implementation of deputies’ requests will be analyzed quarterly, and cases of inaction will be referred to the prosecutor’s office,” the President noted.

The Head of State emphasized that civil society institutions play a crucial role in ensuring the effectiveness of reforms.

Therefore, the policy of supporting these institutions will be consistently continued. In particular, a five-year strategy for the development of civil society will be developed.

The social contracting system for these institutions will be digitized, and funding volumes will be doubled. Additionally, the procedure for establishing charitable organizations will be simplified, and mechanisms for accountability and transparency will be improved.

“I repeat: during this period of large-scale renewal of our country, we will never abandon the policy of openness. Ensuring freedom of speech and the press remains a priority,” the President emphasized.

Efforts to bring the judicial and legal system closer to the population will continue steadily.

The organization of fair justice based on the concept of a “digital court” has begun. Human rights protection will now be strengthened through the digitalization of investigative processes.

From the filing of a crime report to the transfer of the case to the court, artificial intelligence technologies will be implemented at all stages, minimizing human error.

The introduction of investigative judges has been an important step in applying the internationally recognized “Habeas Corpus” institution. From 2026, investigative judges will also have the authority to modify or cancel sanctions and coercive measures.

The need to increase public participation and involvement in ensuring fair justice has been emphasized.

Gradually, the “People’s Jury” institution, which has shown positive results in countries with Anglo-Saxon legal systems, will be introduced. Particularly severe crimes and those attracting wide public attention will be considered with the involvement of community representatives, ensuring fairer judicial outcomes.

“Without unconditional enforcement of court decisions, it is impossible to reliably restore the rights of citizens and entrepreneurs. Therefore, we will implement effective alternative mechanisms for enforcement,” the President noted.

The President also highlighted the growing threat of drug addiction, which poses a serious danger to the genetic health of the population in a rapidly changing world.

Drug trafficking has become transnational and virtual, requiring new methods of crime detection and the acquisition of modern knowledge and skills.

The recently adopted National Plan for Countering Drug Crimes has turned the fight against drug crimes into a nationwide movement, creating a zero-tolerance attitude toward this threat.

“Every child and young person is our child, and we will not allow them to fall into the grip of drugs! We will mobilize all efforts to completely eradicate drug addiction and build strong moral and spiritual immunity among youth. This is the President’s directive, the parents’ wish, and society’s demand!” the President emphasized.

The President stressed that investment and tourism development can only thrive where law and order are maintained and citizens’ safety is ensured.

At the same time, cases have been recorded of complex financial criminal groups acting above the law, pressuring entrepreneurs, attempting to seize their businesses, interfering in citizens’ transactions, and causing significant harm to the economy.

It was noted that some athletes, seeking “easy earnings,” join such groups, and the activities of criminal groups involving Uzbek citizens abroad negatively affect the country’s international reputation.

“Let everyone hear: we have the power and ability to put an end to such criminal groups, and we will definitely do it! Uzbekistan has a state that will reliably protect citizens, entrepreneurs, and investors under any circumstances; there is a Constitution, there are laws!” the President emphasized.

The President also noted that respecting women’s dignity and protecting children have long been matters of honor and pride for men.

However, acts of violence against women and children in society are unacceptable for a nation with a great history, high spiritual potential, and respect for family.

“Never forget: domestic violence is not just a family matter; it is an issue for the whole society. No one has the right to leave a woman alone with her problem!” the President stressed.

An effective system to prevent violence against women and children will be established within the framework of the Republican Coordinating Council, mobilizing all state bodies and the broader society.

The President called on parliament and civil society institutions to actively participate in this process.

Internal control over compliance and anti-corruption measures will be strengthened.

“Corruption is a serious threat, hindering state development, undermining the rule of law and justice, and weakening public trust. Allowing corruption is a betrayal of our reforms! In 2026, we declare a ‘state of emergency’ in the fight against this evil,” the Head of State noted.

All agencies will establish deputy positions responsible for compliance and internal anti-corruption control. Representatives of the Accounts Chamber will also be engaged.

These officials will exercise effective oversight to identify dishonest employees, prevent misuse of budgetary funds and abuse of official powers, and report directly to the President.

“Those who think, ‘I have a position, a title, and no one can tell me what to do,’ are mistaken. Everyone is equal before the law! Security services, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, prosecution, tax and customs authorities, finance, banks, major state companies, ministries, and khokimiyats — in other words, no agency will remain outside control. Those who obstruct the work of the compliance service will be regarded as accomplices to corruption, and will be held accountable accordingly,” the President emphasized.

Amid escalating complex geopolitical and economic challenges, efforts will continue to strengthen equal and constructive relations with all countries and maintain a balanced, open foreign policy.

Priority attention will be given to developing centuries-old ties of friendship, good-neighborliness, strategic partnership, and mutual trust with neighboring states.

In this process, cooperation with regional countries will be deepened across trade and economic relations, transport and logistics infrastructure, energy, water and environmental resources, security, culture, and education.

Expanding trade and economic cooperation with Afghanistan and fully integrating it into the region’s economic processes will remain a key priority.

Primary attention will continue to focus on expanding multilateral and mutually beneficial ties with Uzbekistan’s major international partners: Russia, China, the United States, Turkey, Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, India, Pakistan, and other countries.

Strategic priorities also include strengthening fruitful cooperation with Southeast Asian countries, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, as well as expanding relations with the South Caucasus and South Asian countries.

The President expressed special gratitude to the governments whose ambassadors attended today’s forum for actively supporting Uzbekistan’s growing cooperation and its membership in the World Trade Organization.

Close cooperation with respected international and regional organizations, as well as economic institutions, will enter a new level.

Engagement with the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Islamic Development Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and other leading financial institutions will continue to modernize Uzbekistan’s economy, develop infrastructure, and implement projects in sustainable energy and transport.

Traditional and large-scale partnerships within the Commonwealth of Independent States, Organization of Turkic States, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and Organization of Islamic Cooperation will be strengthened.

“Such great tasks require us to strengthen peace and stability in the country, interethnic and interreligious friendship and harmony, and enhance the combat readiness of our Armed Forces. We will take all necessary measures to achieve this,” the President emphasized.

“The significant results achieved and the new priority tasks require a revision of the ‘Uzbekistan — 2030’ strategy.

This document, concerning the development of our country over the next five years, will be put forward for broad public discussion and refined taking into account citizens’ opinions.

I also call on members of parliament to actively participate in this process with their proposals,” the President added.

Next year, the development of the spiritual sphere will continue, and important events in public and cultural life will be widely celebrated.

In particular, the 35th anniversary of our country’s independence, which has become the foundation of all our achievements and victories, will be marked as a grand celebration. Preparations should already begin for commemorative dates related to our illustrious ancestors — Amir Temur, the Sahibkiran, and Mir Alisher Navoi.

“Today, I want to address you, and through you — our entire nation.

Today, history itself, life itself, places a great responsibility on us.

Our Motherland lives and works on the basis of new political, legal, social, and spiritual relations, becoming a country of independent, free, and thoughtful people.

If we are united, acting as one people, one nation, we will certainly achieve the grand goals we have set!

I believe in our brave and noble people, in the unprecedented strength and potential of Uzbekistan, and in the determination and energy of our dear young people.

Taking this opportunity, I sincerely thank you, dear compatriots, the creative people who, for the interests of the country and the fate of the Motherland, are true sons and faithful guardians of our sacred land, working tirelessly and with full dedication,” concluded the President in his Address.

#Shavkat Mirziyoyev