Uzbekistan’s Strategic Reforms Agency Discusses Key Reform Agenda with International Advisory Council

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Strategic Reforms Agency of Uzbekistan held a meeting with members of the International Advisory Council, which included Alfred Gusenbauer, Aleksander Kwaśniewski, and Štefan Füle.

Agency Director B. Rakhmatov welcomed the guests and highlighted the progress achieved in bilateral cooperation. He noted that, taking into account the Council’s recommendations, Uzbekistan continues to advance reforms in the pension and tax systems, as well as in education and demographics.

Special emphasis was placed on the development of a dual vocational education system. In this regard, information was presented on the establishment of the Agency for Vocational Education under the Cabinet of Ministers.

The meeting also addressed the Council’s initiatives to further strengthen relations between Uzbekistan and Austria in the fields of tourism, smart infrastructure, and regional cooperation. The Council was also briefed on plans to expand academic collaboration, including the organization of the third Uzbekistan–Poland Rectors’ Forum in Bukhara in 2026 and the “Women in Tech” forum with the support of the Polish foundation Perspektywy.

Dr. Alfred Gusenbauer emphasized that an individual approach and adaptation of best international practices to Uzbek realities would help achieve tangible results and ensure the sustainability of ongoing reforms. He also highlighted the importance of the successful address delivered by the President of Uzbekistan at the UN General Assembly in New York and his personal meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Aleksander Kwaśniewski drew attention to the radical changes in communication systems and stressed that promoting positive news has become an increasingly challenging task. He pointed out that active use of social media is a key tool for engaging young people.

Štefan Füle focused on the upcoming signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, calling it a clear indicator of Uzbekistan’s strengthening diplomatic position. He also supported the initiative of training specialists abroad with their subsequent return to the country, suggesting the development of a comprehensive document in this area.

Council members expressed readiness to intensify efforts to inform European public opinion about the reforms underway in Uzbekistan, noting that such outreach would help strengthen the country’s positive image and broaden international cooperation.