World Bank forecasts Uzbekistan’s economic growth at 6.2 percent in 2021 and 5.6 percent in 2022

The economic growth of Uzbekistan is projected to accelerate to 6.2 percent in 2021, the World Bank said in a report.

“However, this forecast remains subject to uncertainties about the continued impact of further COVID-19 waves on global and domestic economic conditions. Recovery of investment, trade and remittances will support the economic growth and reduce unemployment and poverty in 2021,” the report says.

Growth is projected to remain strong at 5.6 percent in 2022 as the pace of vaccinations accelerates and global disruptions ease further. The current account deficit is projected to be 5.9 percent of GDP in 2021 as capital imports for investment projects recover and as gold exports fall from record levels in 2020. Foreign direct investment is expected to remain subdued in 2021 and partially recover in 2022. The continued expansion of social assistance and public investments to improve rural infrastructure, and vaccination costs, will continue to elevate public spending in 2021.

This will be partially offset by higher tax, mining, and privatization revenues, leading to a projected overall fiscal deficit of 5.5 percent of GDP in 2021. Increased public debt will finance this deficit, and public debt is projected to reach 40.6 percent of GDP by end-2021. COVID-19 uncertainties and a forthcoming VAT rates reduction in 2023, are likely to contribute to a higher medium-term fiscal deficit. A robust economic recovery, the gradual withdrawal of anti-crisis measures, and tax administration reforms to widen the tax base are projected to help consolidate public finances and stabilize the debt at about 42 percent of GDP by end-2023.