The Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR) has hosted an international forum on employment and sustainable economic growth in Central Asia, featuring the presentation of the World Bank’s new report, «Europe and Central Asia Economic Update: Employment and Prosperity.»
The event brought together officials from Uzbek ministries and government agencies, World Bank representatives, think tanks and independent experts to discuss labor market trends, job creation and the region’s economic resilience.
World Bank Regional Director for Central Asia Najy Benhassine said Central Asia faces a «tremendous employment challenge» as its working-age population grows, but praised Uzbekistan’s «confident economic growth driven by large-scale reforms,» stressing the need to create quality jobs for the country’s young and skilled workforce.
CERR Deputy Director Nozimjon Ortikov called for closer cooperation between government, business and international partners to build an economy resilient to global shocks and to generate inclusive jobs, particularly in the context of the green economy and artificial intelligence.
Presenting the report, World Bank Senior Economist Ivan Torre noted that Central Asia remains one of the fastest-growing regions, with real GDP growth projected at about 5% in 2026 and 4.6% in 2027. Uzbekistan is expected to grow by 6.2% in 2025 and 6% in 2026, ranking among the top performers. Much of the region’s employment growth is concentrated in renewable energy and rare-earth mineral extraction, supported by strong energy demand and favorable conditions for solar and wind power.
Participants also discussed strategies to boost investment, expand job opportunities and strengthen economic resilience, stressing the importance of regular analytical and research exchanges between national and international institutions.
