Uzbekistan Targets 4.5% Cut in Poverty and Unemployment Next Year

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has set a key goal for Uzbekistan in 2026 to reduce poverty and unemployment by 4.5%.

To achieve this, the government plans to allocate 450 trln soums ($27.8 bn) in loans to the economy, with 140 trln soums ($11.75 bn) specifically earmarked for small and medium-sized projects within local communities. Since the start of the year, 261 officials responsible for poverty reduction targets have been dismissed for failing to meet objectives, while another 492 received disciplinary measures.

The president emphasised that the most vulnerable families remain in need. He called on deputy hokims, heads of employment services and banks, and the local community «seven-member teams» to change their approach to lift approximately 400,000 families out of poverty.