Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has proposed developing a Regional Atlas of In-Demand Professions and Skills to help Central Asian countries align specialist training with the future needs of their economies.
The initiative was put forward by Mirziyoyev at the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia in Avaza, the press service of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan said.
The atlas is expected to bring together forecasts from countries across the region on areas where there is already a shortage of specialists or where demand for skilled workers is expected to grow in the coming years.
Mirziyoyev said human capital is one of the key issues for the future of Central Asia.
He noted that the region has significant demographic potential, with its population growing and the share of young people increasing.
The quality of education and vocational training for young people will largely determine the development of the region's economy over the coming decades, the president said.
“Therefore, education and support for young people should have a special place in our cooperation,” Mirziyoyev said.
In the future, he said, Central Asian countries could train specialists based on the needs of specific major projects being implemented across several countries in the region.
This would create closer links between the education system and the development of industry, transport, energy, digital technologies and other sectors.
The president also addressed workforce training in the context of technological development. Uzbekistan proposed launching joint training programmes for industry-specific specialists, supporting research projects and expanding opportunities for technology entrepreneurship.
Mirziyoyev stressed that the development of the digital economy requires qualified specialists, scientific research and strong technology companies.
Concluding his remarks, the president said future generations should inherit a region that offers opportunities for a decent life, work, education and raising children.
The Consultative Meeting in Avaza was held for the first time with the participation of Azerbaijan.
