Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 13 February, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev got acquainted with a presentation on key strategic reforms planned for implementation this year.

The Strategy “Uzbekistan – 2030” sets a goal by 2030 to increase the country’s gross domestic product to US$160 billion, per capita income to US$4 thousand, and thereby enter a number of countries with upper-middle income levels.

To do this, it is necessary to consistently continue the processes of transformation in the economy, to ensure a favorable investment and business environment, and high added value in agriculture.

The presentation examined reforms in 5 key areas - transport, urbanization and town planning, entrepreneurship development, agriculture and energy.

One of the key factors in economic development is the use of transport capabilities. Due to the remoteness of our country from sea routes, attention is paid to the diversification of air and railway routes. Last year, 6 airlines were created and 28 new aircraft were purchased. The private sector was attracted to Samarkand International Airport.

Continuing this work, it is necessary to accelerate the transformation of the Uzbekistan Airports and Uzbekistan Airways companies and continue the successful practice of transferring airports to the private sector for effective management, it was noted at the meeting.

For the development of financial services, e-commerce, distance learning and medical services in the regions, the importance of providing high-quality Internet is indicated.

In the next seven years, the number of cities and districts with a population of more than 300 thousand people in our country will increase from the current 13 to 28. Due to the lack of master plans, some cities and towns are expanding only by increasing their area. This leads to higher infrastructure costs and less agricultural land. Therefore, there is a need to develop a law and concept on urbanization.

To create a more favorable business environment, it is necessary to clearly define the rules of public-private partnerships in such areas as roads, drinking water supply, education, and medicine. At the same time, it is advisable to formulate a program of such projects together with the leaders of industries and regions.

Particular attention is paid to the issue of transferring certain functions of the state to the private sector, including landscaping and management of free economic zones.

Agriculture plays an important role in providing food and employment to the population. However, some of its industries still have outdated approaches.

Therefore, specific solutions are needed to increase productivity and reduce costs, and introduce innovations in the field.

To maintain economic growth rates, first of all, it is necessary to ensure a stable energy supply. This year, 122 major investment projects will begin, totaling US$50 billion. At the same time, the population and enterprises are growing. In the coming years, energy demand will increase at least 1.5 times. In addition, energy consumption remains high in some industries.

The head of state, having familiarized himself with the proposals in these areas, emphasized the need to create a legal framework and reliable guarantees for investors.

“In 2024, we should complete all processes of building the foundation of a market economy and in 2025 bring the national economy to a completely new level of quality,” the President said.

The need to involve all research institutes of the republic in the reform process with the preparation of a large “road map” was also noted.