Uzbekistan reports sharp drop in poverty and unemployment over past year

Speaking at a videoconference meeting on poverty reduction and job creation, the president said the national poverty rate fell from 8.9 percent to 5.8 percent over the year, while unemployment declined from 5.5 percent to 4.8 percent. The improvements were attributed to expanded employment opportunities and measures aimed at boosting household incomes.

The meeting also reviewed broader economic performance. According to officials, Uzbekistan’s economy grew by 7.7 percent, well above initial projections, pushing gross domestic product above $147 billion. Growth accelerated across all sectors compared with 2024, while foreign investment reached $43 billion and exports rose to $33.8 billion.

Despite strong economic activity and rising consumer demand, inflation eased to 7.3 percent in 2025, down from 9.8 percent a year earlier.

“These results are the outcome of our reforms and reflect the growing trust between the state and the people,” Mirziyoyev said. At the same time, he stressed that significant challenges remain. He noted that 2026 has been declared the “Year of Mahalla Development and Social Advancement,” with ambitious plans to upgrade local infrastructure and improve living standards at the community level.

The president described the neighborhood system as a key indicator of where reforms are succeeding and where they are falling short. Persisting unemployment or poverty within a community, he said, signals that reforms have not yet reached that area. He also criticized shortcomings in the so-called “neighborhood seven” institutions and the banking sector, saying unresolved local problems point to failures in accountability and implementation.

Mirziyoyev emphasized that ministers, regional and district governors, and bank executives cannot justify inaction by citing systemic constraints. According to him, the necessary resources, funding, and policy frameworks are already in place, while the main deficit remains responsibility and personal accountability.