NEW UZBEKISTAN THE DAY BEFORE 34TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE

NEW UZBEKISTAN THE DAY BEFORE 34TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE

In the decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On the preparation and holding of the celebration of the thirty-fourth anniversary of the state independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan" dated July 10 of this year, it was determined to celebrate the glorious date at a high level in accordance with the level of development of the New Uzbekistan and its authority on the world stage.

As a result of large-scale reforms during the years of independence, the foundations of national statehood were strengthened in our country, sovereignty and inviolability of borders were ensured. Significant work has been carried out to strengthen the atmosphere of peace and tranquility, interethnic harmony and tolerance, ensure the rule of law, human rights, freedoms and legitimate interests. In particular, in the short period since the beginning of the construction of the New Uzbekistan, the economy has grown rapidly, and for the first time in history, GDP has exceeded 110 billion dollars. Large-scale programs and projects for the transition to a “green” and innovative economy, the creation of alternative energy sources will ensure the country's competitiveness in economic development, and most importantly, will create the ground for further improving the well-being of compatriots. Today, the world is more restless than ever. Trade wars and armed conflicts negatively affect the stability of the global economy. In such difficult conditions, democratic renewal processes are underway in Uzbekistan in all spheres and sectors. In particular, our country, as an equal subject of international relations, pursues an active and pragmatic foreign policy at the regional and global levels, and develops mutually beneficial relations with foreign partners. Central Asia and the European Union are traditional partners, and these relations have reached a new level. The first Central Asia-European Union summit was held in Samarkand. In his speech, the President of Uzbekistan emphasized that in recent years our relations, which have deep historical roots, have been rapidly developing and strengthening in modern conditions. In particular, he said, "We are witnessing increased geopolitical tensions, security issues, major regional conflicts, and social and economic challenges to sustainable development. It is obvious that no region alone, without broad international cooperation, can cope with solving such difficult issues. In this regard, I would like to emphasize that Central Asia and the European Union are traditional partners, and the demand for close cooperation is only growing. We share the commitment of the European side to the principles and norms of international law." The EU is the most developed regional integration bloc in the world. It united 27 states, including three G7 member countries - Germany, France and Italy. More than 500 million inhabitants live on the territory of the structure. The nominal GDP of the region exceeds 19 trillion euros. In terms of purchasing power parity, it is equal to 26 trillion euros. As the world's largest exporting market, the EU strives to stimulate the global movement of its goods and the further development of foreign trade and economic relations. For this reason, it is trying to strengthen cooperation with Central Asia. In 2024, the trade turnover between Uzbekistan and the EU countries amounted to 6.4 billion dollars, which is 5.2 percent more than last year. More than a thousand enterprises with the participation of European capital operate in the republic, and the volume of investment projects has reached 30 billion euros. In recent years, our country's cooperation with Russia, China, the United States, Germany, France, Great Britain, Italy, Turkey and major Asian countries has been further strengthened. A lot has been achieved with the Central Asian republics in bringing relations to a qualitatively new level in the spirit of mutual friendship, good-neighborliness and strategic partnership in all areas. Uzbekistan has managed to develop practical cooperation in the fight against terrorism and other threats, ensuring peace within the framework of the UN, SCO, CIS, OTG and other international organizations. The solemn presentation by the President of our country to the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres of one of the highest state awards of Uzbekistan - the Order of Oliy Darajali Dustlik for actively promoting solidarity and unity in the world, increasing the effectiveness of the organization, as well as strengthening cooperation between our country and the UN - was the result of large-scale reforms and initiatives of global and regional importance. This also indicates that the activities of the UN institutions in Uzbekistan are fully supported. Attention should also be paid to the dynamics of changes in the republic's domestic policy. By the end of the first half of 2025, GDP is expected to be in the range of 6.7-6.8 percent. In particular, industrial production is expected to grow by 6.3 percent, market services - by 13.5, agriculture - by 4, construction works - by 9.7. The volume of market services amounted to 459.7 trillion soms, an increase of 13.5 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. It is estimated that communication and information services will grow by 23.2 percent, financial services - by 18.2, transport - by 13.6, trade - by 9.2, education - by 9.1, and accommodation and catering services - by 7.5 percent. Revenue from sales and paid services also increased by 25.9 percent compared to the corresponding period last year. In the first half of the year, exports totaled $16.9 billion. Exports of goods and services (excluding special exports) are expected to grow by 23 percent ($10.4 billion). In general, in recent years, fundamental changes in Uzbekistan's foreign economic activity have also affected the development of exports. This is also confirmed by the fact that in the first half of the year, the volume of exports, as noted above, reached almost 17 billion dollars, an increase of 33 percent. A significant result of a consistent and rational economic policy. The formation of an export-oriented economy in the country is one of the priorities for today. A number of systemic measures have been implemented in this direction, including simplification of export procedures, the possibility of exporting through an electronic platform, government support programs for local producers, as well as expanded political and diplomatic activities to explore new export markets. As a result, in the first six months of this year, 1,557 new enterprises were involved in export activities, which exported products worth 650 million dollars. This shows that the business climate in Uzbekistan has improved dramatically, our goal is great, and we are encouraged by the high successes we are making every effort to achieve. The steady growth of exports is also influenced by reforms aimed at modernizing the agricultural sector, localizing industry, forming a cluster of building materials, developing tourism and information technology. In particular, the export of fruits and vegetables amounted to 243 million dollars, which is 140 percent more. Jewelry exports increased 4.6 times and reached 170 million, information services increased to 219 million (an increase of 193 percent), tourism - to 705 million (an increase of 154 percent). High export growth rates are also observed geographically. In particular, in Tashkent - 493 million dollars (131 percent), Samarkand - 138 percent, Surkhandarya - 162, Ferghana, Khorezm, Navoi - more than 100 percent. This indicates the success of the policy of granting broad powers to local authorities, state support for territorial projects and the creation of export infrastructure. Such significant results serve to strengthen national independence. After all, today in the republic, the processes of historical renewal and reforms for the construction of a New Uzbekistan are aimed at ensuring the economic stability of our Homeland, improving the well-being of compatriots, creating conditions for unlocking their capabilities and potential, and ensuring that the people are satisfied not tomorrow, but today. Everything is for the sake of the Motherland, the nation and the people.

Zhamila Bobonazarova.

Member of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Duny News Agency