New Uzbekistan on the eve of the 34th anniversary of independence

As a result of large-scale reforms during the years of independence, the foundations of national statehood have been strengthened in our country, sovereignty and inviolability of borders have been ensured. Significant work has been done to strengthen the atmosphere of peace and tranquility, interethnic harmony and tolerance, ensuring the rule of law, human rights, freedoms and legitimate interests.

In particular, in a short period since the beginning of the construction of New Uzbekistan, rapid economic growth has been observed, and the GDP volume has exceeded $110 billion for the first time in history. Large-scale programs and projects for the transition to a “green” and innovative economy, the creation of alternative energy sources will ensure the country’s competitiveness in economic development, and most importantly, will create the basis for further improving the well-being of compatriots.

Today the world is more restless than ever. Trade wars and armed conflicts negatively affect the stability of the global economy.

In such difficult conditions, processes of democratic renewal are being carried out in Uzbekistan in all spheres and industries. In particular, our country, as an equal subject of international relations, pursues an active, pragmatic foreign policy at the regional and global levels, and develops mutually beneficial relations with foreign partners.

Central Asia and the European Union are traditional partners, and these relations have reached a new level. The first summit “Central Asia - European Union” took place in Samarkand.

In his speech, the President of Uzbekistan especially noted that in recent years our relations, which have deep historical roots, have been rapidly developing and strengthening in modern conditions. In particular, he said: “We are witnessing increasing geopolitical tensions, security issues, major regional conflicts, social and economic challenges to sustainable development. It is obvious that no region alone, without broad international cooperation, will be able to resolve such difficult issues. In this regard, I would like to emphasize that Central Asia and the European Union are traditional partners, and the demand for close cooperation is only growing. We share the European side's commitment to the principles and norms of international law.”

The EU is the most developed bloc of regional integration in the world. United 27 states, including three countries - members of the G7 - Germany, France and Italy. More than 500 million people live on the territory of the structure. The region's nominal GDP exceeds 19 trillion euros. In purchasing power parity, it is equal to 26 trillion euros.

As the world's largest exporting market, the EU seeks to stimulate the global movement of its goods and the further development of foreign trade and economic relations. For this reason, it is trying to strengthen cooperation with Central Asia.

In 2024, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and EU countries amounted to $6.4 billion, which is 5.2 percent more than last year. There are more than a thousand enterprises with the participation of European capital in the republic, and the volume of investment projects has reached 30 billion euros.

In recent years, our country’s cooperation with Russia, China, the USA, Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy, Turkey and large Asian countries has further strengthened. Particularly much has been achieved with the Central Asian republics in matters of bringing relations to a qualitatively new level in the spirit of mutual friendship, good neighborliness and strategic partnership in all areas.

Uzbekistan managed to develop practical cooperation in the fight against terrorism and other threats, ensuring peace within the UN, SCO, CIS, UTC and other international organizations.

Great presentation The President of our country to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres one of the highest state awards of Uzbekistan - the Order of "Oliy Darazhali Dustlik" for the active promotion of solidarity and unity in the world, increasing the efficiency of the organization, as well as strengthening cooperation between our country and the UN - was the result of large-scale reforms and initiatives of global and regional significance. This also indicates that the activities of UN institutions in Uzbekistan are fully supported.

Attention should also be paid to the dynamics of changes in the domestic policy of the republic. It is expected that by the end of the first half of 2025, the volume of GDP will be in the range of 6.7-6.8 percent. In particular, industrial production is expected to increase by 6.3 percent, market services - by 13.5, agriculture - by 4, construction work - by 9.7.

The volume of market services amounted to 459.7 trillion soums, an increase of 13.5 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. It is estimated that communication and information services will grow by 23.2 percent, financial services by 18.2 percent, transport by 13.6 percent, trade by 9.2 percent, education by 9.1 percent, and accommodation and food services by 7.5 percent. Also, revenue from sales and paid services increased by 25.9 percent compared to the corresponding period last year.

In the first half of the year, exports amounted to $16.9 billion. It is expected that exports of goods and services (without special exports) will grow by 23 percent ($10.4 billion).

In general, in recent years, fundamental changes in the foreign economic activity of Uzbekistan are reflected in the development of exports. This is confirmed by the fact that in the first half of the year, the volume of exports, as noted above, reached almost 17 billion dollars, an increase of 33 percent. A significant result of a consistent and rational economic policy.

The formation of an export-oriented economy in the country is one of the priorities for today. A number of systemic measures have been implemented in this direction, including simplification of export procedures, the possibility of exporting through an electronic platform, government support programs for local producers, as well as expanded political and diplomatic activities to develop new export markets.

As a result, in the first six months of this year, 1,557 new enterprises were involved in export activities, which exported products worth $650 million. This shows: the business climate in Uzbekistan has improved dramatically, our goal is great, and we are inspired by the high successes, for which we are making every effort to achieve.

The sustainable growth of exports is also influenced by reforms aimed at modernizing the agricultural sector, localizing industry, forming a cluster of construction materials, developing tourism and information technology. In particular, exports of fruits and vegetables amounted to $243 million, an increase of 140 percent. Exports of jewelry increased 4.6 times and reached 170 million, information services increased to 219 million (an increase of 193 percent), tourism - to 705 million (an increase of 154 percent).

High export growth rates are also observed in territorial terms. In particular, in Tashkent - 493 million dollars (131 percent), Samarkand - 138 percent, Surkhandarya - 162, Fergana, Khorezm, Navoi - more than 100 percent. This indicates the success of the policy of granting broad powers to local authorities, state support for territorial projects and the creation of export infrastructure.

Such significant results serve to strengthen national independence. Indeed, today in the republic the processes of historical renewal, reforms for the construction of New Uzbekistan are aimed at ensuring the economic stability of our Motherland, increasing the well-being of compatriots, creating conditions for unlocking their capabilities and potential, and ensuring that the people are happy not tomorrow, but today.

Everything - in the name of the Motherland, nation and people.

Zhamila Bobonazarova.

Member of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis

Republic of Uzbekistan