Uzbekistan Allocates 3.6 Trillion to Support Vulnerable Districts

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — In the first quarter of 2026, Uzbekistan continued implementing comprehensive measures aimed at reducing poverty, increasing employment, and supporting entrepreneurial activity among the population.

During the reporting period, 167,000 people were provided with permanent jobs, while another 737,000 citizens received services designed to create additional income sources and improve their financial situation.

One of the priority areas remains the reduction of informal employment. As a result of the measures taken, the activities of 241,000 citizens were formalized, expanding their access to social protection and financial instruments.

Targeted support programs have demonstrated steady effectiveness. Under the “Mehnatsevar ayol” program, 26,000 women were provided with income-generating employment opportunities, while 58,000 young people received permanent and income-based opportunities under the “Barqaror kelajak sari” program.

Special attention is given to low-income families. Individual development plans were prepared for 86,000 households, within which 105,000 services were delivered, including assistance in employment, vocational training, and starting small businesses.

Significant resources were directed toward the development of small and medium-sized enterprises. In the first quarter, businesses received 35 trillion soums in credit resources, of which 8 trillion soums were allocated under state support programs.

In particular, 1.2 trillion soums were allocated under the “Family Entrepreneurship Program,” 1.3 trillion soums under “Continuous Support for Small Business,” 1.1 trillion soums under “First Step to Business,” and 4.2 trillion soums under the “Mahalla Project.”

Local-level initiatives are also being actively implemented. During the reporting period, 21,000 microprojects were carried out, contributing to income growth for 52,000 citizens.

To accelerate development in territories facing higher socio-economic challenges, 3.6 trillion soums were allocated from the national budget to 37 districts and 903 mahallas.

Additional support is being provided to areas under the “New Uzbekistan Image” initiative, where 33 districts and cities, as well as 330 mahallas, received 4 trillion soums in funding.

These measures are forming a stable foundation for further poverty reduction, expansion of entrepreneurial activity, and improvement of living standards across the country.