President of Uzbekistan: 2026 Will Be a Turning Point in the Development of All Sectors

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev today delivered his Address to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan, the Dunyo News Agency reports, citing the press service of the Head of State.

— Over the past nine years, together with you and together with our people, we have gone through a great path of development. Our economy has acquired a new quality, we have expanded market relations, strengthened social protection, and reinforced the rule of law. And most importantly, today the results of the reforms are felt in the daily life of every mahalla, every family, and every individual, — the President said at the beginning of his speech.

Despite all difficulties, democratic reforms have been carried out consistently and decisively. Thanks to the support of the people and the energy of our youth, the strengthening of the role of the mahalla in society, changes in people’s mindset and worldview, greater unity and initiative, the dedicated work of entrepreneurs, dehkans and farmers, as well as a friendly foreign policy based on mutually beneficial cooperation, significant achievements were attained in all spheres in 2025.

For the first time in the country’s history, gross domestic product exceeded 145 billion US dollars. It was noted that exports grew by 23 percent this year and will reach 33.4 billion dollars. Special emphasis was placed on the fact that gold and foreign exchange reserves exceeded 60 billion dollars for the first time.

The volume of foreign investment attracted into the economy reached 43.1 billion dollars. The share of investment in GDP amounted to 31.9 percent. Leading international rating agencies upgraded the country’s sovereign credit rating from “BB–” to “BB”.

As a result of transformative reforms in the energy sector, electricity production increased to 85 billion kilowatt-hours.

This year, for the first time, 715,000 residents in 188 mahallas were provided with clean drinking water, and water supply improved for nearly 2.3 million people.

In the current year, 5 million people gained sustainable sources of income, while the unemployment rate declined from 5.5 percent to 4.9 percent. Around 1.5 million citizens emerged from poverty, and for the first time 1,435 mahallas became “poverty-free” territories.

168,000 children from low-income families were admitted to state kindergartens on preferential terms. This year, inclusive education was introduced for the first time in 208 preschool institutions.

The poverty rate in the country decreased from 8.9 percent at the beginning of the year to 5.8 percent.

— When we began this work, one third of the population lived at the poverty line. By launching a fundamentally new social protection system through more than 100 types of services — loans, subsidies, and compensations — and transferring them directly to the “group of seven” at the mahalla level, we ensured that more than 8.5 million people escaped poverty and unemployment was halved.

As a result, we achieved the goal of reducing poverty by half by the end of 2026 already this year, — the President said.

It was emphasized that talented youth, achieving major successes in education, science, culture, arts, sports, and other fields, are making a worthy contribution to the development of the New Uzbekistan.

Recently, the country has been transforming into an international platform for discussing global issues.

In particular, this year Uzbekistan hosted the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the session of the UNESCO General Conference, the “Central Asia – European Union” Summit, and the International Climate Forum.

It was also noted that in March, at a meeting of the leaders of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan in Khujand, a historic treaty was signed for the first time on the junction point of the state borders of the three countries, and the “Declaration of Eternal Friendship” was adopted.

At the recent Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of the region in Tashkent, the idea was put forward to establish a strategic format — the Central Asian Community — to bring integration processes to a new qualitative level. Of historic significance was the decision to admit Azerbaijan to the Central Asian format as a full-fledged participant.

According to the President, this step will undoubtedly strengthen strategic connectivity and resilience between Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

In October, the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Uzbekistan and the European Union was signed in Brussels. The “Central Asia – United States” Summit held in November marked the transition of multilateral and long-term partnership to a fundamentally new stage. Last week in Tokyo, at the “Central Asia – Japan” leaders’ meeting, important agreements were reached in education, healthcare, digital technologies, infrastructure, and industry.

Earlier this week, a meeting with the leaders of the Commonwealth of Independent States was held in St. Petersburg, which also outlined new areas of cooperation.

— All this brings our international relations to a new substantive level. We will continue to build bridges of cooperation with countries near and far — between East and West, North and South, — the President noted.

It was emphasized that the mahalla and good neighborliness are complementary values that make an invaluable contribution to strengthening social capital.

The fact that 90 percent of respondents in sociological surveys consider themselves part of the mahalla community confirms a high level of civic belonging and demonstrates that this institution is, above all, a source of social solidarity.

— No matter how difficult the trials of our history have been, we have always drawn strength from unity. In difficult times, people and mahallas supported one another and overcame challenges together. One family helped another, one neighbor helped another. We must always remain faithful to this unique value and raise our youth in this spirit.

Naturally, different opinions and views may exist in society — this is one of the basic requirements of democracy.

But there is one great idea that unites our 38-million-strong nation, regardless of language, nationality, or religion. This is the interests of the Motherland and the interests of our people.

And in achieving this lofty goal, the role and influence of the mahalla are truly invaluable. Because if the mahalla is peaceful and united, the entire society will be peaceful and cohesive. If the mahalla develops, the whole country rises, — the President said.

Taking all this into account, the Head of State proposed declaring 2026 the “Year of the Development of the Mahalla and the Whole Society”.

The audience warmly supported this initiative.

The program for the new year will reflect such priority tasks as transforming more than 9,000 mahallas of the country primarily into spaces of compassion and care, unity, justice, and upbringing.

— We are entering a decisive stage in building the New Uzbekistan. The forthcoming work requires profound transformation in every sphere and every sector.

Our goal is clear: in the coming years, to enter the group of countries with upper-middle income.

From the Fergana Valley to the Aral Sea region, from the Zarafshan Valley to Kashkadarya and Surkhandarya, from Tashkent to Jizzakh and Syrdarya — wherever each of our citizens lives, they must already feel more clearly the results of reforms in their everyday lives.

Therefore, the year 2026 will become a turning point in the development of public administration, the judicial and legal system, the economy, education, science, healthcare, culture, sports, and ecology — in all spheres without exception, — the President emphasized.

— The Head of State then outlined six key priority areas for 2026.

The first priority area is further improving mahalla infrastructure and giving it a modern appearance in line with the New Uzbekistan.

Work will continue on comprehensive territorial development, improving external appearance, and landscaping.

From next year, a comprehensive approach to mahalla development will be introduced. New reforms in urbanization and sustainable urban development will begin.

Support for entrepreneurship will continue: in 2026, key tax rates will remain unchanged, and over 10 trillion soums will be allocated to entrepreneurial infrastructure projects. To support small and medium-sized businesses, 140 trillion soums in resources will be provided, including 43 trillion soums to support women’s and youth entrepreneurship.

The second priority area is transitioning the economy to a model of technological and innovative growth.

It was emphasized that from now on, every dollar of investment must primarily serve the transfer of advanced technologies, the production of high value-added goods with clearly defined external markets, increased efficiency in the use of energy, water, land, and other natural resources, training local workers in new technologies, and raising labor productivity.

A program for industrial development aimed at transitioning to a new technological stage and expanding value-added chains will be launched. In 2026, 782 new industrial and infrastructure projects worth 52 billion dollars will be initiated. As early as next year, 228 large new facilities worth 14 billion dollars will be commissioned.

Economic growth next year is projected at 6.6 percent, with GDP reaching 167 billion dollars.

Enterprises producing high-tech, innovation-based products will be stimulated. Income earned by specialists from research and development activities will be exempt from taxation.

Next year, four data centers, two supercomputers, and artificial intelligence laboratories in 15 universities will be established in Tashkent, Bukhara, Fergana, and Tashkent regions. This will enable the implementation of more than 100 AI projects in key sectors such as healthcare, transport, agriculture, geology, banking and finance, and public safety.

— Today I would like to share another important piece of news. For the first time in the history of independent Uzbekistan, we have begun work on launching an artificial satellite into space and preparing the first Uzbek cosmonaut — a citizen of our country — for a space flight, — the President said.

The third priority area is stimulating domestic demand.

Over nine years, a favorable business environment has been created, and the volume and range of goods and services have expanded. Thanks to the annual provision of at least 1 billion dollars in affordable loans to low-income families, inflation has been reduced to single-digit levels, and the purchasing power of the population has doubled.

Based on public needs, 23 trillion soums will be allocated for mortgages in 2026. Subsidies totaling 2.7 trillion soums will be provided to cover part of down payments and interest payments on housing loans. In addition, the amount of preferential mortgage loans per apartment will increase by 15 percent.

To stimulate demand for services, 85 trillion soums in loans and 9 trillion soums in subsidies will be allocated in 2026. In particular, 7 trillion soums from the budget will be allocated to educational services.

An ambitious goal has been set: to double the number of foreign tourists over five years and increase the volume of tourism services to 20 billion dollars. Special attention will be paid to developing tourism infrastructure.

The growing tourist flow requires doubling air and rail transport capacity. Therefore, in 2026, the number of aircraft in the national fleet will increase to 120.

A five-year program for developing the domestic railway network will be adopted. From 2026, construction of an additional 500 kilometers of railways will begin to connect cities with high-speed trains. A five-year program to improve road quality and further enhance transit potential will also be implemented.

The fourth priority area is developing professions and forming a new architecture of the labor market.

Under the influence of new technologies, digitalization, and artificial intelligence, the number, form, and content of jobs are changing rapidly worldwide. Over the next five years, 30 percent of existing professions will be fully automated, and 50 percent will require new skill sets.

— From now on, our labor market must operate on the basis of a fundamentally new architecture — as a single mechanism integrating professions, qualifications, technologies, and education, — the President said.

From 2026, at least 100 vocational colleges will be annually overhauled and equipped in line with technological and in-demand professions. The number of colleges implementing advanced educational programs from Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, China, Korea, and other countries will increase to 100.

In 2026, Advanced Vocational Skills Colleges and “Cities of Professions” will begin operating in seven regions, and in all other territories in 2027.

In the healthcare system, in cooperation with the British company Pearson, international-standard nursing training has been launched in one college in each region. These colleges will also introduce educational programs from Germany, Switzerland, the United States, Japan, and other countries.

On this basis, a corps of nurses meeting international standards and proficient in foreign languages will be formed.

The fifth priority area is ensuring ecological balance, developing green energy, and rational use of water resources.

A 100 million dollar credit line will be opened for large enterprises to install filters, treatment facilities, and emission monitoring stations.

It was noted that traffic congestion not only complicates people’s lives but also causes serious environmental damage. Therefore, based on international experience, an ecological sticker system will be introduced for vehicles depending on emission levels.

Entry into the capital, regional centers, and cities by high-emission vehicles will be restricted. State support measures will be provided to replace such vehicles or install filters.

Those wishing to replace old vehicles will receive compensation for part of interest payments on car loans. Drivers willing to install filters and reduce emissions will receive subsidies to cover part of the costs.

Development of public transport in Tashkent and major cities will be a priority.

A five-year program to increase the share of environmentally friendly vehicles will be implemented. Loans for domestically produced electric vehicles will be provided at 12 percent, and for imported ones at 16 percent.

Entrepreneurs establishing charging stations will receive preferential loans at 10 percent and the opportunity to purchase land at auction at half price.

At charging stations, the portion of electricity costs exceeding 300 soums per kilowatt-hour will be compensated from the state budget. Additional benefits will be provided to citizens offering taxi services using electric vehicles.

To prevent dust storms, a “green belt” will be created on 10,000 hectares in Surkhandarya, and an 84-kilometer “green wall” in Syrdarya. In Karakalpakstan, Khorezm, Bukhara, and Navoi regions, 250,000 hectares will be greened, including 115,000 hectares on the dried seabed of the Aral Sea. Botanical and dendrological gardens will be created in each region, along with 20 shaded pedestrian streets.

Overall, 1.9 trillion soums will be allocated for environmental protection in 2026.

A total of 3.3 trillion soums will be allocated for the introduction of water-saving technologies in 2026.

Additionally, 1,300 kilometers of major canals will be concreted, saving up to 500 million cubic meters of water annually. A separate program will be adopted to convert local open drainage systems to closed systems, and large-scale canal modernization projects will begin.

As part of a major 160 million dollar program, Tashkent will create 150 kilometers of closed drainage systems, repair 197 kilometers of canals and collectors, and build 63 kilometers of new canals, forming a cooler urban microclimate.

The sixth priority area is continuing reforms to establish modern public administration and a fair judicial and legal system.

First of all, the “Electronic Government” platform will be fully updated starting in 2026.

More than 1,000 public services, over 5,000 functions and tasks, 240 databases and information systems, and the powers of more than 100,000 public servants at the mahalla, district, regional, and national levels will be integrated into a Unified Digital Platform.

— Most importantly, we will create an ecosystem for public services free from human interference, corruption, and unnecessary bureaucracy, and will develop proactive and integrated public services, — the President emphasized.

In the future, cases of direct procurement of goods, works, and services in public procurement will be determined strictly by law.

As part of constitutional reforms, the positions of regional governors and chairs of local councils were separated. From 2026, this system will also be introduced in 208 districts and cities.

The President emphasized the importance of civil society institutions in ensuring the effectiveness of reforms, noting that policies to support them will continue. In particular, a five-year strategy for civil society development will be developed.

— I reiterate: during this period of large-scale renewal, we will never retreat from the policy of openness. Ensuring freedom of speech and the press will remain our priority, — the President stated.

Efforts to bring the judicial and legal system closer to the people will continue consistently.

It was emphasized that public participation in the administration of justice will be expanded. The institution of jury trials, which has shown positive results in countries of the Anglo-Saxon legal system, will be gradually introduced into criminal proceedings.

The fight against drug-related crime will be turned into a nationwide movement, fostering a zero-tolerance environment in society.

It was instructed to create an effective system for preventing violence against women and children through the mobilization of all state bodies and broad public involvement, in order to put an end to such negative phenomena.

— Corruption is the most serious threat hindering state development, undermining justice and the rule of law, and weakening trust in society. To tolerate corruption means to betray our reforms.

In 2026, we will declare a “state of emergency” in the fight against this scourge, — the President said.

All government agencies will introduce the position of a deputy head responsible for compliance and internal anti-corruption control. The activities of representatives of the Accounts Chamber will be strengthened. Personal responsibility for every soum of public funds and resources will be enhanced.

It was noted that amid growing geopolitical and economic challenges worldwide, efforts to further strengthen equal and constructive relations with all countries and pursue a balanced, open foreign policy will continue. Cooperation with reputable international and regional organizations and economic institutions will be elevated to a new level.

— The major achievements and new priorities require revising the “Uzbekistan–2030” Strategy. This document, defining the country’s development for the next five years, will be submitted for broad public discussion and refined based on citizens’ opinions and proposals, — the President said.

It was emphasized that important socio-cultural anniversaries will be widely celebrated next year. In particular, the 35th anniversary of independence will be marked as a major national celebration. The need to begin preparations for the jubilees of Sahibqiran Amir Temur and Alisher Navoi was also noted.

— Today, history itself and life itself place a great responsibility upon us. Our Motherland is becoming a country of free people living and working on the basis of new political, legal, social, and spiritual relations — independent-minded, free, and sovereign.

If we act together as one united people, we will undoubtedly achieve our great goals. I believe in our courageous and noble people. I believe in the boundless strength and potential of Uzbekistan, and in the determination and energy of our youth! — the President concluded his Address.