Uzbek leader noted that despite the ongoing global financial and economic crisis, which slowdown growth in many countries around the world and severe social problems, which increasing tension and confrontation in neighboring and other countries, Uzbekistan’s economy continued to grow with steady pace in 2012 and exceeded 8.2%. He added that the economy of Uzbekistan grew by 27.7% in last three years.

President Islam Karimov said that at the same time it is necessary to note that some 59% of the expenses of the State Budget in 2012 were directed to development of social sector. In 2012, real income of population rose in average by 17.5%, the size of wages of employees of budget organizations, pensions, allowances and stipends in average by 26.5%.

Uzbek President said that the deposits of population grew by 34.6% in 2012. Overall, he said that the volume of deposits of population rose 2.4 times in last three years, which is evidence for growing level of well-being of population.

Islam Karimov said that look of cities and villages is changing radically. About 9.3 million square meters of habitations were commissioned in 2012, of which 7.2 million square meters in rural areas, he added.

Uzbek President said: “I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate a very important truth - the basis of our achievements is primarily growing consciousness and outlook, strong faith in the future, social activity and citizenship position of our people, especially our growing young people, which in fact is the decisive force in society. This attitude creates a strong and solid foundation for the present and future of our country.”

“On this occasion, it is my duty to sincerely thank you, my dear compatriots, creators and authors of all our successes and achievements, my sincere gratitude for your invaluable contribution to the prosperity of the country, Uzbekistan gained its rightful place among the developed democratic countries in the world,” Islam Karimov said.

“In these unforgettable minutes, entering the New Year with a pure mind, we ask the Almighty to preserve the most invaluable gift - peace and tranquility in the country, to increase the happiness and prosperity in our homes,” the President said.

“We announced 2013 as the Year of Well-being and Prosperity. The main goals, which we set before us, are solving priority tasks, directed at ensuring interests of our people, implementing hopes and intensions of each person, each family, increasing further accomplishment of cities and villages of our country,” he stated.

“In the coming year, we envisaged further sustainable development of the economy with growth rates of at least 8%, strengthening its competitiveness, modernization and diversification, and comprehensive strengthening of guarantees for proprietors, broad support of small businesses and private entrepreneurship, farming, even enhancing authorities of Mahalla,” Islam Karimov noted.

Uzbek President said that the Government of Uzbekistan is planning to increase real income of population. He said the wages, pensions, stipends and social allowances will increase at least by 23%.

Islam Karimov expressed his assurance that all planned programmes and measures will serve for improving well-being and prosperity of population in 2013.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov frankly congratulated people of Uzbekistan with New Year. “May the New Year bring kindness and prosperity, happiness and joy in our family! Let there be peace in our homes and on our land, and clear skies over our country!", Uzbek leader said.