Tashkent (TDI): President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on Friday described 2026 as a decisive year for the country’s development, announcing wide-ranging reforms across governance, the economy, social welfare, and environmental sustainability.
Delivering his annual address to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan, Mirziyoyev said the past nine years had marked a transformative period for the country, with reforms producing tangible improvements in daily life, from local communities to national institutions.
He said Uzbekistan achieved major economic milestones in 2025, with gross domestic product surpassing $145 billion for the first time, exports rising 23 percent to $33.4 billion, and gold reserves exceeding $60 billion. Foreign investment reached $43.1 billion, while international rating agencies upgraded the country’s sovereign credit rating to BB.
Mirziyoyev highlighted progress in energy, water, and social development, noting that electricity generation rose to 85 billion kilowatt-hours, clean drinking water reached hundreds of thousands of households, and unemployment fell to 4.9 percent. He said more than 1.5 million people were lifted out of poverty this year alone, bringing the national poverty rate down to 5.8 percent, well ahead of the government’s 2026 target.
The president announced that 2026 would be declared the “Year of Mahalla Development and Social Prosperity,” with a focus on strengthening local communities, social cohesion, and public services. More than 9,000 mahallas are to be transformed into centers of education, solidarity, and social support.
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Outlining priorities for the coming year, Mirziyoyev said Uzbekistan would accelerate its transition to a technology- and innovation-driven economy. Plans include launching 782 industrial and infrastructure projects worth $52 billion, establishing data centers, supercomputers, and artificial intelligence laboratories, and supporting high-tech manufacturing. Economic growth in 2026 is projected at 6.6 percent, with GDP expected to reach $167 billion.
He also revealed that Uzbekistan has begun preparations to launch its first satellite and send its first Uzbek citizen into space. an unprecedented step in the country’s history. To stimulate domestic demand, the government will expand housing mortgages, tourism infrastructure, transport capacity, and service-sector financing. Over the next five years, Uzbekistan aims to double foreign tourist arrivals and increase tourism revenues to $20 billion.
Labour market reforms will focus on vocational education and skills development, with at least 100 technical colleges to be modernized starting in 2026. New training programs aligned with international standards will be introduced to prepare workers for automation, digitalization, and artificial intelligence-driven industries.
Environmental sustainability was identified as another core priority. The government plans large-scale investment in green energy, public transport, water conservation, and reforestation, including extensive planting projects in Karakalpakstan and the Aral Sea region. Measures to reduce vehicle emissions and expand electric transport will also be introduced.
On governance, Mirziyoyev announced a complete overhaul of the electronic government system, integrating thousands of public services into a single digital platform to reduce bureaucracy and corruption. Judicial reforms, civil society support, and media freedom will continue, he said.
Declaring corruption a major threat to national development, the president announced a “state of emergency” on corruption in 2026, introducing stricter oversight, accountability, and internal compliance mechanisms across government institutions.
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In foreign policy, Mirziyoyev reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to balanced and open engagement with global partners, noting recent progress in relations with the European Union, the United States, Japan, and regional neighbors.
Concluding his address, the president said Uzbekistan was entering a decisive stage in building a modern, inclusive, and resilient state, calling on citizens to remain united in pursuing long-term national goals.
