New data management model being introduced in national statistics

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on the results of the population and agricultural census and proposals to accelerate reforms in the national statistical system.

Since 1989, Uzbekistan’s population has nearly doubled, and the economy has doubled over the past eight years. These changes have increased the need for accurate and reliable data on the population’s composition, places of residence, land resources, agriculture, and food sources.

Information was provided on the results of this year’s population and agricultural census.

According to preliminary results, the country’s permanent population totaled 39 million 47 thousand people. The places of residence and social status of 810.6 thousand people not recorded in existing records were clarified.

Comparison with the existing data revealed that the population in Jizzakh region was 2.7 percent lower, Namangan region 1.3 percent lower, Surkhandarya region 0.9 percent lower, and Kashkadarya region 0.7 percent lower. In Bukhara region, the population remained nearly unchanged, while other regions experienced increases. Notably, Tashkent district’s population was 1.6 times higher than previously recorded, while Andijan city’s was 15.8 percent lower.

Following the agricultural census, the boundaries and classifications of 985.5 thousand hectares of previously unrecorded land were clarified. This includes 789.5 thousand hectares of arable land, 14.1 thousand hectares used for greenhouses, 75.3 thousand hectares dedicated to orchards, 21.4 thousand hectares for vineyards, and 85 thousand hectares for fish farming reservoirs.

Thanks to process digitalization, the census cost did not exceed 1.5 thousand UZS per person, which is 15 times lower than in CIS countries. The online census coverage was 82.3 percent. All procedures were completed within 15 days, making Uzbekistan the second-fastest country worldwide to conduct the census.

Based on the census findings, the population and agricultural statistical registers will be updated. A total of 100 indicators linked to socio-economic development programs and 50 indicators related to agriculture and cultivated areas will be refreshed. Additionally, national accounts indicators for 2017-2025 will undergo reassessment.

During the presentation, particular attention was paid to ensuring comprehensive statistical coverage of economic activity. At present, the non-observed economy accounts for 23 percent, or UZS 246 trillion. In agriculture, the non-observed economy accounts for 60 percent of total turnover.

The incomes of 6.5 million of 15.2 million employed persons, or 42 percent, are not fully reflected in official records. Many registered small and medium-sized businesses are either not operating or have ceased operations.

This creates an unhealthy competitive environment for enterprises that operate in good faith and fully meet their tax obligations. One out of every four to five UZS of economic turnover remains outside the scope of official statistics. Bringing this activity into the formal system would generate tens of trillions of UZS in additional budget revenues and, in turn, reduce the tax burden.

In this regard, a proposal was approved to conduct a business census from October 15 to November 30 this year. As part of the census, all economic units operating in the country will be inventoried, and their status, composition, and distribution across sectors of the economy will be clarified. Statistical registers of enterprises and organizations will be updated, providing a reliable basis for sample surveys.

The review also covered plans to develop the national statistical system through 2030. Goals include reducing the reporting burden on entrepreneurs by 20 percent, increasing administrative and alternative data sources by 1.7 times, and decreasing data processing time by 20 percent and costs by 25 percent.

A Data Management Commission involving various ministries and agencies was proposed to develop a unified approach to data management.

By December 1 this year, the Commission will carry out a comprehensive audit of data management systems across government bodies and organizations. Additionally, by May 1, 2027, it will approve a detailed action plan for enhancing these systems.

The National Data Platform is scheduled to launch by July 1, 2027. It will unify data into a single system, enhance data quality and security, and facilitate analytics and modern digital services. Additionally, there is a proposal to create a project office dedicated to open data and to implement an Open Data Rating for government agencies.

To strengthen training and research in statistics, a School of Data-Driven Management is planned. It will provide courses in data management, business analytics, artificial intelligence, data journalism, and visualization for government officials, businesses, statistical agencies, media, researchers, and students.

The use of digital technologies in the national statistical system will also be expanded. By July 1, 2027, statistical data will be published in formats suitable for processing by artificial intelligence systems. AI agents will be introduced to enable comparison of statistical indicators and their in-depth analysis. By the end of 2027, data on population, demographics, agriculture, infrastructure, and regional development will be displayed on digital geospatial maps.

The seventh round of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey is scheduled for 2027-2028. Additionally, with the involvement of the International Monetary Fund, the survey will assess how well the national statistical system aligns with international standards and codes.

The presentation also examined the draft national strategy, Statistics Development 2030. Its key priorities include coordinating the statistical system, enhancing data quality, adopting international standards and methodologies, promoting digital transformation, utilizing administrative and alternative data sources more broadly, and developing open statistics tailored to users’ needs.

The Head of State emphasized that accurate, timely, and reliable statistics are a key prerequisite for shaping public policy and making well-grounded decisions on regional and sectoral development.

The responsible officials were directed to carefully analyze the census results and extensively incorporate them into government programs. They were also tasked with ensuring the business census is conducted to a high standard, implementing a unified data management system, and steadily developing the national statistical system to align with international standards.

UzA