Measures to preserve and support the pace of economic growth reviewed

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was provided with information on measures to achieve projected economic targets in the first quarter of 2026 and to reduce the negative effects of global market instability on the national economy.

In the first two months of the year, the industry grew by 7.7 percent, the services sector by 15.4 percent, exports reached $3.5 billion, and $8.3 billion in foreign investment was attracted.

Since the beginning of the year, an additional 2.3 trillion UZS and $500 million have been allocated from the republican budget for the socio-economic development of nine regions. For 33 districts and 330 mahallas with the “New Uzbekistan” image, 3.9 trillion UZS have been allocated to local budgets. For 37 difficult districts and 903 mahallas, a total of 3.9 trillion UZS has been directed, along with 1.3 trillion UZS from local budgets. In the first stage, 1 trillion UZS has been allocated to implement 283 “driver” projects.

By the end of the year, a total of 1.2 trillion UZS will be allocated to projects to develop infrastructure for busy streets, coastal areas, and roadside areas. 450 billion UZS will go toward improving the infrastructure of 150 mahallas with high tourism potential, and 150 billion UZS will be dedicated to creating 50 industrial microcenters in 400 mahallas.

Simultaneously, it was emphasized that the rapid escalation of the international situation is putting more pressure on the stability of economic sectors, foreign trade routes, and import prices. It was noted that under such conditions, each sector and region’s leader must assess the situation in advance and take proactive steps based on different scenarios.

The significance of maintaining inflation within 6-6.5 percent this year was emphasized.

Notably, the sharp rise in global oil prices is driving up the cost of transportation services and petrochemical products, with price increases also seen in polyethylene and polypropylene. In this context, directives were issued to quickly implement measures to import essential food items, resolve transportation and logistics issues, and use alternative routes.

At the same time, the importance of promptly addressing entrepreneurs’ issues with raw materials, markets, and loans was highlighted.

It was noted that one of the main issues raised by exporters is transportation and logistics, with serious concern over disruptions in export cargo movement and rising costs amid current global developments.

In this regard, instructions were issued to enhance collaboration with neighboring countries on transportation and trade issues, to organize air exports of food, and to implement preferential tariffs for entrepreneurs.

The issue of foreign investment was also discussed in detail. It was noted that the tense international situation may affect the implementation of certain projects. In this regard, a task was set to continuously analyze each ongoing project and establish daily dialogue with investors.

The dynamics of loans allocated to support business in the banking and financial sector were also reviewed.

The Head of State emphasized that, despite positive momentum, no leader should become complacent. It was noted that under the current challenging conditions, it is essential to identify risks early, operate according to clear plans to minimize them, and quickly address emerging problems across sectors and regions before they escalate.

Specific instructions were given to responsible officials to control inflation, maintain industrial and export indicators, speed up the implementation of investment projects, and address potential issues in the banking system and construction programs.

UzA