Uzbekistan Unveils Plans to Tackle Poverty and Boost Incomes

Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has pledged to create jobs for five million people and draw two million into business activities this year, in a major push to reduce poverty.

The announcement comes amidst a series of economic programs aimed at bolstering employment opportunities. The government is actively supporting small businesses and entrepreneurship, while encouraging the creation of new enterprises across Uzbekistan’s various regions.

Educational institutions are playing a key role in equipping the workforce with the necessary skills. Vocational schools and “Ishga Markhamat” centers are providing training in in-demand specialties and foreign languages, better preparing citizens for the job market.

Financial backing for the initiative is significant. The state has allocated a hefty 16 trillion soums (around $1.5 billion) towards the program. Additional funds amounting to 1.4 trillion soums (around $130 million) will be provided by the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction, the Mahallabay Agency, and the Farmers’ Council.

The strategy emphasizes utilizing local resources to create sustainable income streams for the population. Gallyaaral and Sharof-Rashidov districts in the Jizzakh region are serving as pilot programs, where new mechanisms are being developed for nationwide implementation.

A crucial element involves assigning economic organizations to specific neighborhoods, or mahallas. These organizations will work directly with low-income families, providing support and resources to help them achieve financial growth. Access to loans, subsidies, and preferential resources will be prioritized for those most in need.

The initiative extends beyond traditional employment models. The government is collaborating with farmers’ councils and household plot owners to promote the cultivation of high-value crops, generating additional income opportunities for residents.

Education also plays a central role. The program emphasizes financial literacy and practical skills training, teaching citizens how to operate new equipment and navigate market demands.

President Mirziyoyev emphasized the importance of replicating successful strategies in lagging regions. Local authorities have been instructed to tailor the program to address specific needs within each mahalla, ensuring a comprehensive approach to poverty reduction and job creation throughout Uzbekistan.