Uzbekistan has allocated $11.6 billion (140 trillion soums) to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through a new program featuring lower interest rates. Announced by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the initiative aims to stimulate business development, create jobs, and enhance economic growth across the country, with specific provisions for various business types and regions.
Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has outlined ambitious economic goals for 2026, aiming to reduce poverty and unemployment to 4.5% and create 1 million permanent jobs. This follows a strong 2025, which saw the economy grow by 7.7% and the poverty rate drop to 5.8%.
An Uzbek trade delegation engaged with the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) in Lahore on January 23, 2026, to strategize on significantly expanding bilateral trade, particularly within the textile sector. The discussions aimed to elevate the current trade volume of $114 million, focusing on enhanced logistics, banking cooperation, and the potential establishment of a textile industrial zone, with an ambitious target of reaching $2 billion.
An Uzbek trade delegation met with the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) in Lahore on January 23, 2026, to discuss significantly expanding bilateral trade, particularly in textiles, beyond the current USD 114 million. Discussions included investment opportunities, banking cooperation, and logistical improvements, with Uzbekistan offering textile units and proposing an industrial zone.
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have initiated a joint study, backed by the French Development Agency, to update irrigation practices in the Syr Darya River basin. The project aims to optimize agricultural water use and improve environmental outcomes, with completion slated for 2026.
Uzbekistan is quickly becoming a top destination for Chinese foreign direct investment in Central Asia, recording the fastest growth in capital inflows from China across the region. This surge is driven by Uzbekistan's economic reforms, strategic location, and strong alignment with China's Belt and Road Initiative, attracting billions in diverse sectors from energy to infrastructure.
Uzbekistan is set to launch 91 mineral projects valued at $3.2 billion in the Surkhandarya region next year, with $2 billion slated for 2026. This initiative aims to unlock the region's vast economic potential, estimated at $600 billion in mineral reserves, and drive socio-economic development.
UNESCO has officially marked December 15 as the first World Turkic Languages Day, a decision adopted during its 43rd General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The day highlights the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of over 200 million Turkic-speaking peoples and commemorates the decipherment of the Orkhon Inscriptions.
Uzbekistan has significantly bolstered its economic and technological future by establishing a new Business and Investment Council with the United States and forming a strategic AI partnership with NVIDIA. These initiatives, formalized in November 2025, aim to attract foreign investment, diversify trade, and accelerate the nation's digital transformation, positioning it as a regional IT leader.
Uzbekistan exported 4,117 mobile phones worth $1.3 million to five countries, including the UAE, China, Afghanistan, the United States, and Switzerland, during the first nine months of 2025. This marks a notable development in the nation's burgeoning electronics industry, supported by recent government initiatives to boost high-tech production and exports.
Uzbekistan exported 4,117 mobile phones worth $1.3 million to five countries, including the UAE, China, Afghanistan, the USA, and Switzerland, during the first nine months of 2025, according to the National Statistics Committee.
Uzbekistan exported 4,117 mobile phones worth approximately $1.3 million to five countries, including the UAE, China, Afghanistan, the United States, and Switzerland, during the first nine months of 2025. This highlights the nation's growing presence in the global electronics market.
Uzbekistan exported 4,117 mobile phones worth approximately $1.3 million to five countries, including the UAE, China, Afghanistan, the United States, and Switzerland, during the first nine months of 2025. This highlights the nation's growing presence in the global electronics market.
Uzbekistan Airways has finalized an agreement to expand its firm order for Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft by eight, bringing its total commitment to 22 of the widebody jets. This significant deal, signed on November 6, 2025, in Washington D.C., marks the largest single aircraft purchase in the airline's history and aims to bolster its international network and position Tashkent as a key aviation hub.
Uzbekistan's official reserve assets hit an unprecedented $59.3 billion as of November 1, 2025, according to the Central Bank. This record surge, primarily driven by a significant increase in gold prices and holdings, underscores the nation's strengthening financial stability and economic resilience.
Uzbekistan's electric vehicle imports surged to a record 47,264 units in the first ten months of 2025, doubling compared to the same period last year. This growth, valued at $544.1 million, highlights the nation's accelerating shift towards electric mobility, driven by government incentives and strong demand, primarily from Chinese suppliers.
Uzbekistan has significantly strengthened its nuclear safety and liability framework by acceding to four major international conventions throughout 2025, culminating with the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage in November. This move underscores the nation's commitment to global nuclear standards and peaceful nuclear energy development.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has provided US$142 million in financing for a 1 GW solar photovoltaic and 1.3 GWh battery energy storage system in Uzbekistan. This project, led by ACWA Power and Japanese co-investors, is set to be the largest of its kind in Central Asia, significantly boosting the nation's renewable energy capacity.
Uzbekistan and Pakistan are intensifying efforts to develop the Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan (UAP) Transport Corridor, a pivotal regional railway project. This initiative aims to establish a direct rail link between Central Asia and South Asia through Afghanistan, significantly reducing transit times and costs, and fostering substantial regional trade and economic integration.
Uzbekistan has halted the issuance of technical permits for new natural gas connections in residential and commercial buildings used exclusively for heating or cooking, effective October 28, 2025. This move aims to conserve energy amidst declining domestic gas production and rising demand, promoting electric alternatives and broader energy efficiency reforms.
