Five years ago, the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On organizational measures for implementing the Action Strategy for the five priority areas of development of the Republic of Uzbekistan in 2017-2021” was adopted.

Accordingly, in 2017-2021, the country has taken comprehensive measures to build a democratic state based on the rule of law, a robust civil society, develop an economy based on free-market relations, the priority of private property, create conditions for a peaceful and prosperous life of the people to ensure Uzbekistan’s worthy place in the international arena.

Yesterday, as an integral part of the Action Strategy, an essential document directly related to the future of Uzbekistan – the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, “On the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026” was adopted. With this, the Development Strategy for the next five years was approved.

This document is of interest to all people who are not indifferent to the development and prosperity of Uzbekistan. Many opinions are being expressed in this regard. At the same time, there are questions among our citizens, such as “How does the development strategy of the new Uzbekistan differ from the Action Strategy adopted five years ago?” This is natural, of course. We have found it necessary to answer this question, which is of great interest to many.

First of all, in contrast to the Action Strategy, the New Uzbekistan Development Strategy aims to achieve 100 goals within the seven priorities of Uzbekistan’s development over the next five years and includes 398 measures to be implemented in 2022. Efforts to achieve these goals are also evident. They, in turn, make it much easier to control efficiency and effectiveness. In other words, a system is being introduced to evaluate the effectiveness of planned reforms following the level of achievement of development goals.

Secondly, the participation of the population of our country in the development and adoption of the Development Strategy has significantly increased compared to the Action Strategy. This made the document more public. This is evidenced by the fact that, in particular, more than 17,000 comments were received on the results of public discussions on only three major electronic platforms. At the same time, it should be noted that the communication system with the people, which began five years ago as part of the Strategy of Actions, has played an important role. Because it was during the implementation of the activities defined in the Strategy of Actions that a direct connection between state bodies and the population was established, transparency increased from year to year, which by itself radically changed the attitude of the people towards state bodies, increased its activity, degree of trust and involvement in reforms. Most importantly, the opportunities for citizens to raise issues with government agencies have expanded even more.

Thirdly, this policy document sets out the priorities for the country’s development trends in the near and medium-term. Particular attention is paid to ensuring the succession and continuity of reforms based on the principle “From the Strategy of Actions - to the Development Strategy.” In particular, the Strategy of Actions began with significant reforms in each area. Based on accumulated great experience and opportunities, the reforms will be improved with even greater determination and intensity. At the same time, through the increase of the efficiency ratio and the effectiveness of the reforms will also increase.

Fourthly, the mechanism for implementing the Development Strategy has been improved. In particular, by the Decree of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev “On the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022-2026,” the composition of the National Commission for Strategy Implementation was approved. It is noteworthy that the Commission comprises government officials and public activists. The members of this Commission are responsible for the direct implementation of the Development Strategy and overseeing the relevant officials.

In addition to appointing a clear executor and supervisor of the relevant items, attention should be paid to the accuracy of the funds planned for expenditures. This, on the one hand, increases the efficiency of the planned work; on the other hand, it also serves to increase the responsibility of the relevant officials.

Fifthly, it is also noteworthy that the participation of public oversight in the implementation of each stage of the Development Strategy is being strengthened. Of course, it is noted that many opportunities are being created for such control.

The digitization of various spheres and industries and the planning of electronic platforms will help create a sense of satisfaction of the population with the work of government agencies while, first and foremost, ensuring the effectiveness of these organizations in their activities. This transparency and openness also allow for effective public oversight. In addition, the increasing accountability of government agencies at all levels to the people’s representatives – deputies – will strengthen control over government agencies and ensure that officials approach their duties responsibly.

Most importantly, electronic platforms will be launched and constantly improved to ensure that the population continually monitors the implementation of each goal.

Sixthly, one can see that in the first year of implementation of the Development Strategy – 2022, the amount of funds allocated for the tasks set has increased several times. In particular, the State Program for the implementation of the Development Strategy this year provides for the performance of 398 measures, totalling UZS 55 trillion soums, and 11.7 billion US dollars can be a clear example of this. While for the implementation of the planned state program in 2021, 29 trillion 492.7 billion soums and 2 billion 600.4 million US dollars were allocated, and for the performance of the state program in 2020 – 18 trillion 171.4 billion soums and 10 billion 301.5 million US dollars.

In conclusion, it has to be said that the full implementation of the goals set out in the Development Strategy requires a strong will and firm discipline, total mobilization of available resources. Of course, each of us must be active to contribute to building New Uzbekistan.

As the Head of our state Shavkat Mirziyoyev said, “we will carry out all reforms and all actions together with the society. We must all serve our people as one force, one power.”

Eldor TULYAKOV,

Executive Director,

Development Strategy Centre