President Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s re-election in Uzbekistan heralded the unveiling of an ambitious roadmap, “Strategy 2030.” This comprehensive strategy aims to propel the nation’s economic growth by targeting a doubling of the GDP by 2030, fueling a per capita income surge beyond $4,000 and establishing Uzbekistan among nations with above-average incomes.
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Restructuring the Economic Landscape:
Central to this transformation is a strategic shift aimed at reducing the state’s dominance across sectors. This includes planned reductions in state control within 17 sectors, except for major oil and gas pipelines, alongside an aim to elevate the non-state sector’s share to 85%. The strategy introduces “people’s IPOs” for state-owned entities to foster growth within Uzbekistan’s burgeoning stock market.
Foreign Investment and Industrial Expansion:
Foreign investment plays a pivotal role in this trajectory, with a targeted influx of $110 billion by 2030. The goal is to ramp up automotive production to a million cars annually, 30% of which will be electric vehicles. Simultaneously, foreign expertise is anticipated to contribute to the development of “green” energy projects, fortifying Uzbekistan’s energy infrastructure for sustained economic expansion.
Optimizing Natural Resources and Agriculture:
Uzbekistan’s abundant natural resources, including copper, gold, and uranium, are poised for strategic exploitation. The emphasis is on fostering value-added industries such as natural gas processing, iron smelting, and refining of copper products. Agricultural reforms pivot from raw cotton sales to textile exports while prioritizing efficient irrigation methods to curtail water wastage.
Societal Progress through Education and Healthcare:
Parallel to economic strides, the strategy places a premium on social development. Plans include accommodating rapid population growth through the construction of new educational institutions and enriching educational standards through partnerships with private enterprises and global experts. Healthcare improvements are also at the forefront, targeting the reduction of mortality rates from prevalent diseases through accessible services and medical advancements.
Empowering the Youth:
At the heart of Strategy 2030 lies a commitment to youth empowerment. The visionary “New Uzbek School” program aims to revolutionize education by prioritizing practical skills, critical thinking, and modern teaching methodologies. Investing in over 50,000 teachers annually underscores a dedication to shaping a workforce equipped for an ever-evolving world.
Cultivating Creativity and Infrastructural Advancements:
President Mirziyoyev’s vision extends beyond education to nurture creativity and entrepreneurship. The strategy champions the arts, expanding libraries, supporting filmmaking, and creating platforms for young talent. Additionally, plans for infrastructural development, including electrifying railways and enhancing transit routes, position Uzbekistan as a regional hub for connectivity.
Transparency, Governance, and Global Integration:
Integral to this transformation is a commitment to combat corruption and modernize administrative processes. Uzbekistan aspires to significantly improve its global rankings in transparency and e-governance, signaling a dedication to accountability and efficiency in governance.
President Mirziyoyev’s Strategy 2030 encapsulates not just an economic vision but a holistic plan for societal advancement, environmental sustainability, and global engagement, marking a defining chapter in Uzbekistan’s journey toward progress and prosperity.