Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in a session of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis and outlined the key tasks for the government over the next five years.

On the agenda, in line with the updated Constitution, were for the first time discussions on the candidate for the position of prime minister and the government’s action program for the next five years.

At the beginning of his speech, the head of state emphasized that the responsibility for implementing the strategic and current tasks set for Uzbekistan increasingly rests with the executive bodies, particularly the government and its leader, especially given the current complexities.

It was noted that a completely new cabinet with new powers and responsibilities is being formed. For the first time, the Constitution has enshrined the government’s commitments in such crucial areas as poverty reduction, food security, investments, and ecology.

The people of Uzbekistan today expect the new government to deliver tangible results in addressing these key issues.

Before addressing the main topic, the president also reflected on how the programs carefully planned and adopted in various sectors over the last five years have been implemented.

First and foremost, Uzbekistan’s economy has doubled, surpassing the historical milestone of US$100 billion. Per capita income is expected to reach US$3,000 in 2024 (compared to US$1,600 in 2018).

In particular, the World Bank has acknowledged that in 2024, Uzbekistan’s economy will rank among the top three countries with the fastest economic growth in Europe and Central Asia.

The poverty rate has decreased from 23% to 11% over the past four years, with expectations of further reduction to 9% this year.

Exports nearly doubled, surpassing US$25 billion for the first time, and our gold and foreign exchange reserves exceeded US$40 billion. The volume of direct foreign investments increased sixfold, which allowed the creation of 1.5 million high-income jobs. The share of investments in GDP reached 30%.

Sectors that were previously fully state-owned, such as energy, chemical industry, aviation, geology, metallurgy, machine engineering, education, and healthcare, are now open to the private sector and public-private partnerships, which has become a powerful factor in their development.

Notably, there have been significant historical changes in the energy sector. The volume of electricity generated has increased by 1.5 times, reaching 83 billion kilowatt-hours, which clearly confirms this process.

Over the past three years, 10 large solar and wind power plants with a total capacity of 2.7 million kilowatt-hours have been put into operation. The share of alternative energy has tripled compared to last year.

The President noted that significant changes have taken place in the social sphere.

During this period, more than 25,000 private kindergartens and about 70 private universities have been established, leading to an increase in preschool education coverage to 74% and higher education to 39%.

Major reforms are also underway in the social services system. "Inson" Centers have been opened in all regions, where social workers provide more than 100 different social services directly in local communities.

At the Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games, our athletes demonstrated exceptional courage, setting records and winning a total of 39 medals, including 18 golds.

"Such achievements, which have never occurred in Uzbekistan’s history, naturally inspire us to make further efforts," the head of state said.

The President emphasized that in the face of the complex and harsh global situation, maintaining peace and harmony in our country, ensuring stable economic growth, and achieving such successes was not easy.

Over the next five years, the country’s population is expected to exceed 40 million. This demographic growth, of course, provides significant opportunities but also presents new challenges.

It was especially emphasized that in such key areas as poverty reduction, ecology, energy, transport, roads, access to drinking water, and housing, the demands and needs of our people continue to grow.

Finding effective solutions to these pressing issues and adopting new approaches will be a serious challenge for the government.

Today, the candidate for the position of prime minister must present his program, taking all of these issues into account, and ensure their implementation.

The "Uzbekistan – 2030" strategy sets ambitious goals for the coming years.

In particular, the goal is to increase the country’s GDP to US$160 billion.

Initially, some may have doubted or hesitated, but thanks to timely measures and the use of all available resources, it is expected that this year the GDP will reach US$110 billion.

The new composition of the government, with all leaders working in unison and maintaining the momentum of reforms, must continue the transformations in the social, economic, and political spheres, which will allow the economy to reach US$200 billion by 2030.

Achieving this goal will lead to a significant improvement in the living standards and quality of life of the population.

"Once again, I emphasize, in order to achieve such results, we have the strength, opportunities, and potential!" the President declared.

The President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, outlined the key directions for the government’s activities in the coming years.

First and foremost, it is necessary to maintain macroeconomic stability and ensure an economic growth rate of 6-7% over the next five years. At the same time, it is crucial to achieve an inflation rate of 5-6%, a budget deficit of no more than 3%, and increase the volume of lending to US$30 billion per year.

During this period, the government is expected to secure at least US$100 billion in foreign investments and achieve export volumes of US$45 billion, with the share of finished products accounting for 50%.

The President noted that there are ample opportunities to increase the flow of foreign tourists to 15 million people over the next five years and increase the export of tourism services to US$5 billion.

Additionally, in order to “bring the informal economy out of the shadows,” it is essential to make digital technologies the main tool. Specifically, next year, an important task will be to further stimulate cashless transactions and achieve a share of online payments at the level of 60%.

It was noted that, as part of cooperation with the World Trade Organization, key measures have been implemented, and Uzbekistan will certainly become a member in the coming years.

Building on the positive results achieved this year in the Saykhunabad, Uychin, Zarbdar, and Gijduvan districts, a comprehensive plan titled “From Poverty to Prosperity” has been adopted.

Now, based on a multilateral approach, individual assistance packages will be developed for members of poor families, including quality education, vocational training, employment, health improvement, and psychological support.

The main task of the economic complex of the Cabinet of Ministers for 2025 will be to lift 1 million people out of poverty.

For this, 500 billion soums will be allocated to provide free education for children from poor families in foreign languages, professions, and IT. A program to improve infrastructure in 1,000 settlements with difficult social conditions will be implemented, with 2 trillion soums allocated for this purpose.

A total of 46.5 trillion soums will be allocated for poverty reduction and improving the well-being of the population.

The government will also need to effectively address pressing issues related to reducing unemployment, which should not exceed the internationally recognized norm of 5-6%.

The President emphasized that special attention should be given to sectors with high added value in industry for economic growth and income increase.

The investment project portfolio of the Cabinet of Ministers is expected to implement more than 300 major projects next year that are of strategic importance for the economy and ensure their full operation.

This includes projects such as the launch of the first phase of the “Yoshlik-I” complex and further phases of the “Muruntau” complex, as well as a facility for the production of 910,000 tons of mineral fertilizers annually and a metallurgical plant with a capacity of 600,000 tons of products to be commissioned in Samarkand. In Zarafshan, a caustic soda plant will begin operations, and in Nukus, heating system manufacturing facilities will be launched.

The construction of micro-hydropower plants in Navoi region has been completed, demonstrating the presence of all conditions for the full utilization of industrial cooperation and localization opportunities.

In this regard, a decision has been made to develop a large-scale industrial cooperation and localization program.

Special attention has been given to ensuring reliable energy resources for the economy and doubling energy efficiency.

An important task is to increase the share of the private sector in the economy to 85% within the next five years.

To achieve this, the government plans to sell shares of the state in 2,000 enterprises, more than 5,000 real estate properties, and take 16 major holdings public via IPO.

The government must ensure the implementation of public-private partnerships worth US$30 billion.

The Cabinet of Ministers is required to accelerate the transformation of state-owned companies by 2025 based on the principles of “economy and sustainability,” reducing their expenditures by 15-20%.

In this regard, effective management of the National Investment Fund, which holds stakes in 18 state-owned companies amounting to US$1 billion, will be crucial.

The President also emphasized that food security remains one of the most urgent tasks in the context of a growing population.

In this area, programs have been launched aimed at the intensive development of all agricultural sectors, particularly horticulture and vegetable farming, the creation of new seed varieties, and reducing imports by 50%.

The government is tasked with ensuring the execution of these programs, increasing agricultural production by 1.3 times, raising the average income per hectare to US$5,000, and achieving US$10 billion in agricultural exports. Additionally, the area of land using water-saving technologies must be doubled.

In the new year, 5 trillion soums will be allocated for the implementation of water-saving technologies, and 800 billion soums will be directed toward the concreting of canals.

The President highlighted that key government tasks always include the effective and complete implementation of major programs in healthcare, education, and sports.

First and foremost, it is necessary to improve the accessibility and quality of primary healthcare, with the goal of raising the average life expectancy to 78 years. Specifically, in 2025, a screening program for 3.7 million women will be conducted at the primary level, and the digitalization of this process will increase early cancer detection rates to 85%.

The government will introduce a new training system for 18,000 medical teams in local districts and organize rehabilitation for 884,000 patients at home. Additionally, US$100 million will be allocated to strengthen the material and technical base of maternity hospitals.

Over the next three years, the system of state medical insurance and healthcare delivery through “guaranteed packages” will be expanded to cover all cities, districts, and villages.

A separate plan will also be developed to promote a healthy lifestyle, proper nutrition, physical activity, and sports among the population.

At the meeting, the need for a consistent continuation of the policy to improve the quality of education and the development of well-rounded young people was emphasized.

In the coming years, the government’s primary priority will remain achieving 80% coverage of children in preschool education and at least 50% in higher education institutions.

Thanks to financial resources from international financial institutions amounting to US$61 million, 252 new kindergartens will be built in 2025. Additionally, 174 kindergartens and 379 schools will undergo repairs and renovations. To achieve these goals, 4 trillion soums will be allocated from the state budget.

Entrepreneurs will be provided with preferential loans of up to 20 billion soums for the construction of schools.

The President emphasized that a key factor in the successful implementation of these priority tasks is effective cooperation between the new government and the Legislative Chamber.

In this regard, the Cabinet of Ministers has been assigned priority tasks.

First and foremost, it is essential to bring the work of executive authorities closer to the people.

The President reminded that the main criterion for the work of all government leaders is that state organizations must serve the people, ensuring their lawful interests.

Once a law is adopted, it must be implemented and lead to tangible changes in the lives of people.

It is important that the enforcement of laws is carried out in cooperation with the relevant committees of the Legislative Chamber and the responsible executive authorities.

As the President noted, executive authorities must ensure the legality of decisions and their justification.

Recently, concerns have been raised regarding the inconsistency of public consultations with legal requirements regarding the draft laws.

The Ministry of Justice has been tasked with discussing proposals on this matter with the relevant committee of the Legislative Chamber and submitting them to the government within a month.

An ongoing issue is improving the quality of draft laws submitted to the Legislative Chamber by the government.

“The adoption of quality laws that meet the most pressing needs of the time and work effectively in practice is the most important task of the Legislative Chamber, and, if necessary, its prestige,” the President remarked. He also quoted the famous Chinese philosopher Shang Yang: “A good law is an expression of respect for the people.” Every law must reflect this respect. “Not 100 laws, but 5—let them be people’s laws, let them serve our people,” he added.

It was emphasized that the government, ministries, agencies, and regional leaders must establish systematic cooperation with the committees of the lower house to address issues identified by deputies in the regions.

However, at present, there is no established system of interaction between state inspections, which ensure control in various sectors, and the committees of the Legislative Chamber. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce a new, effective mechanism for discussing their reports in the committees.

To ensure the success of this work, it was proposed to appoint deputy heads of ministries and agencies as responsible for ongoing interaction with the committees of the lower house.

The President reiterated that the relationship between parliament and government should be based on constructive dialogue, not opposition.

Unfortunately, instances of superficial responses to parliamentary requests and deputies were noted, which is unacceptable. In this regard, all leaders must fully realize their responsibility, and no one has the right to approach this issue indifferently. Responses to parliamentary and deputies’ requests should be clear and substantive, and the response should come directly from the leader to whom the request was made.

For the comprehensive development of the country, it is crucial to conduct an effective foreign policy, expand our circle of friends and partners, and deepen regional cooperation with our closest neighbors.

In this regard, the President noted the need to adopt a new version of the Foreign Policy Concept.

Strengthening good-neighborly relations between Central Asian countries, ensuring regional security and stability, remain priority areas of foreign policy. Next year, the "Central Asian Five" summit, which will take place in our country, will be another important step in this direction.

At present, our citizens can travel freely to Kyrgyzstan using an ID card. Now, plans are in place to implement a similar system with Kazakhstan and Tajikistan.

Special attention will be given to further developing effective and systematic relations with Central Asia, other leading partner countries, reputable international and regional organizations, and financial institutions.

The President also took the opportunity to greet the participants of the meeting—the diplomatic corps and representatives of international organizations—expressing gratitude on behalf of the people for their sincere support of our reforms and for participating in familiarizing themselves with the updates and changes in our regions, as well as for sharing experiences with their countries.

In the context of global instability and threats, it is essential to emphasize that the protection of our state’s independence and sovereignty, as well as the peaceful and free life of our people, are the highest values.

“We must never forget: the security of our country, the defense of the homeland, is not only the duty of the Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies but a sacred duty of every person, regardless of their nationality, language, or religion, who considers Uzbekistan their homeland,” said the President.

Given the growing global threats, it was emphasized that attention will be increased on improving the combat and moral readiness of our Armed Forces.

To foster a sense of national pride and respect for universal values in young people, it is necessary to improve state policy concerning youth.

The goal is to raise children with modern knowledge and worldview, prepare them for profitable professions, and familiarize them with science, information technologies, spirituality, art, literature, and sports. All resources and opportunities will be mobilized for this.

“Only a country like ours, with active, purposeful young people and intellectuals, and a united people, can secure its national interests,” said the President.

The President emphasized that the key pillars of our society are the economy and morality: "A morally strong nation will also be great in economic terms."

It was also highlighted that efforts to strengthen an atmosphere of openness and freedom in society must continue, alongside fostering harmony and consensus among peoples and religions, ensuring freedom of speech and the press, as well as freedom of conscience.

The President noted that New Uzbekistan, with its new parliament, is entering a decisive phase in its development. Therefore, the old demands and criteria can no longer be effective, and the government must organize its activities in a completely new way, which requires strong leadership, specifically in the form of a Prime Minister.

In this regard, a decision was made to nominate Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov for the position of Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Abdulla Aripov was recognized as a leader with significant organizational potential, extensive experience, and knowledge in the executive branch, who is always deeply aware of his responsibilities.

His candidacy was presented to the deputies for discussion.

The deputies of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis reviewed Abdulla Aripov’s candidacy for Prime Minister.

The candidate presented the action program of the Cabinet of Ministers, both for the short-term and long-term future.

After discussing the candidacy and program, the issue of confirming the appointment was put to a vote.

In a secret ballot, the deputies approved Abdulla Aripov’s candidacy for the position of Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

In his speech, the President also addressed the growing global challenges posed by climate change, which are clearly felt not only in Uzbekistan but across the world.

Air and water pollution, soil erosion, desertification, and the excessive use of fossil fuels are contributing to global warming, increasing natural disasters, and harming the environment and public health.

In response to these challenges, a national initiative called "Green Space" was launched three years ago. The Regional Climate Strategy has been implemented in cooperation with neighboring countries. Additionally, the Central Asia University for Climate Change and Ecology was established in Tashkent.

Moreover, Uzbekistan became the initiator of two crucial resolutions adopted by the United Nations in this field. Currently, "green" energy is becoming one of the driving forces of our economy.

Based on the opinions and wishes of the people, as well as proposals from various sectors, the President suggested declaring 2025 the Year of Environmental Protection and "Green" Economy in Uzbekistan.

The attendees at the meeting fully supported this initiative.

The government was tasked with developing a state program that includes the key tasks set for the announced year.

This program highlights priority issues such as the implementation of "green" technologies, water conservation, significant expansion of green zones, mitigating the consequences of the Aral Sea disaster, addressing waste management, and, importantly, improving the health of the population.

The President expressed confidence that this new period would be one of rapid development for the "New Uzbekistan," which will reach even higher peaks of progress.

"This period will be one of new methods of work for both parliament and government, where exemplary traditions of serving the people with full dedication will be formed and immortalized in history. The future that our descendants will proudly remember depends on us," the President stated.

He also noted that over the past three days, members of the Oliy Majlis and the broader public had exchanged numerous opinions regarding the country’s current and future development.

"In 2024, the year of supporting youth and business, we are taking stock of the work done. All the initiatives and plans discussed in Parliament, in the House of the People, the ideas, goals, and tasks presented there, in essence, can be regarded as the next Address to the Oliy Majlis and the people. I am sure you will also agree with this opinion," the President concluded his speech.

He expressed confidence that the deputies, government members, and all leaders, regardless of their level, will remain committed to fulfilling the vast tasks set forth in this Address.