Tashkent, December 26, 2025: President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan delivered a major address to the Oliy Majlis and the people of the country on Friday, highlighting the nation’s achievements in 2025 and outlining ambitious goals for 2026.
“Over the past nine years, together with our people, we have made remarkable progress. Our economy has reached new levels, market relations and social protection have expanded, and the rule of law has been strengthened. Most importantly, the results of reforms are felt in every mahalla, every family, and every individual in daily life,” the President said.
Mirziyoyev emphasized that democratic reforms have been pursued consistently despite challenges, crediting the country’s youth, entrepreneurs, workers, and farmers for driving social cohesion and economic growth.
Uzbekistan recorded historic economic milestones in 2025. For the first time, the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) exceeded $145 billion. Exports rose by 23 percent to $33.4 billion, and gold reserves surpassed $60 billion. Foreign investment reached $43.1 billion, representing 31.9 percent of GDP, and major international rating agencies upgraded Uzbekistan’s sovereign rating from BB– to BB.
The energy sector also saw fundamental changes, with electricity production rising to 85 billion kilowatt-hours.
Significant improvements in social welfare were reported. Clean drinking water reached 715,000 residents across 188 mahallas, while 2.3 million people benefited from improved water supply. Sustainable income programs have now reached 5 million citizens, reducing the unemployment rate from 5.5% to 4.9%. Approximately 1.5 million people in need were lifted out of poverty, and 1,435 mahallas were declared poverty-free.
The President also highlighted advances in education and child welfare: 168,000 children from low-income families were admitted to state kindergartens on preferential terms, and inclusive education programs were introduced in 208 kindergartens. Overall, the national poverty rate dropped from 8.9% to 5.8% in 2025, achieving the target of halving poverty by the end of 2026.
Mirziyoyev praised Uzbekistan’s talented youth for contributing to development across education, science, culture, arts, and sports, noting that their engagement has been central to the country’s progress.
Uzbekistan has become an active international platform for dialogue. In 2025, the country hosted the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, a session of the UNESCO General Conference, the Central Asia–European Union Summit, and the International Climate Forum.
Regionally, historic steps were taken to strengthen Central Asian cooperation. In March, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan signed an agreement on their shared borders and adopted a “Declaration of Eternal Friendship.” Additionally, a consultative meeting in Tashkent proposed a strategic Central Asian Community format, with Azerbaijan admitted as a full member, a move expected to enhance connectivity and stability across Central Asia and the South Caucasus.
President Mirziyoyev concluded by emphasizing that 2026 will be a fundamental year for advancing development across all spheres, building on the achievements of 2025, and strengthening Uzbekistan’s social, economic, and international stature.
