World Bank: Uzbekistan Remains One of Central Asia’s Fastest-Growing Economies

According to the World Bank, Uzbekistan continues to rank among the fastest-growing economies in the region. The country’s GDP is projected to expand by 6.2% in 2025 and by 6% in 2026. Kyrgyzstan is also expected to make a significant contribution to Central Asia’s overall economic performance.

These figures were outlined in the World Bank’s report Economy of Europe and Central Asia: Employment and Welfare, presented on November 13 in Tashkent at the Centre for Economic Research and Reforms. Najy Benhassine, the World Bank’s Regional Director for Central Asia, noted that the region’s working-age population will grow considerably over the next two decades. He stressed that Uzbekistan is advancing confidently due to wide-ranging reforms and highlighted the importance of sustaining this pace by ensuring employment opportunities for skilled young people.

World Bank Senior Economist Ivan Torre presented the key development priorities, which include improving infrastructure, strengthening human capital, and attracting private investment.

Forecasts show that Central Asia’s GDP growth is likely to remain around 5% in 2026 and 4.6% in 2027. Employment growth is moderate yet stable, with Uzbekistan contributing the largest share of new jobs in the region.

Kursiv also reports that Uzbekistan’s Legislative Chamber approved an Islamic banking bill in its second and final readings.