Deputies reviewed the government's report for the first half of the year

Deputies reviewed the government's report for the first half of the year.

The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis held a meeting to review the Cabinet of Ministers' report on the implementation of the State Program for the Implementation of the "Uzbekistan 2030" Strategy during the "Year of Development of the Mahalla and Society" for the first half of 2026. The report was presented by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Jamshid Kuchkarov. Following the discussion, the deputies adopted the corresponding decision.

Despite persistent challenging conditions and high uncertainty in the global economy, Uzbekistan demonstrated robust economic growth in the first half of the year. Real GDP growth was 8.5 percent, and total gross domestic product reached 1,072.7 trillion soums.

By sector, growth was as follows: 8 percent in industry, 9.2 percent in services, 13.7 percent in construction, and 4.7 percent in agriculture.

State budget expenditures for the reporting period amounted to 205.6 trillion soums, of which 105.8 trillion soums were allocated to the social sector.

The volume of foreign investment reached $28.1 billion, a 34 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Of this amount, $26 billion came from foreign direct investment and loans. Uzbekistan's exports reached $15.9 billion for the first time.

In terms of employment, 506,000 people were permanently employed in the first half of the year. Incomes increased for 2,616,000 citizens, and the activities of 546,000 informally employed people were legalized.

To enhance mahalla specialization, 104,000 microprojects were launched, creating employment for 246,000 people. As a result of these measures, the unemployment rate decreased from 4.8 percent at the beginning of the year to 4.5 percent.

The poverty rate also fell to 4.5 percent. Meanwhile, 2,756 mahallas were transformed into poverty-free areas. 227,000 low-income families included in the Social Registry received 300,000 income-boosting services.

Entrepreneurship support measures contributed to the creation of approximately 37,800 new small businesses. District and city branches of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry provided entrepreneurs with approximately 70,000 business services.

At the same time, deputies emphasized the need to ensure the timely completion of individual objectives of the State Program, the achievement of target indicators, and the full utilization of the regions' economic potential.

Following the discussion, representatives proposed regularly assessing the sustainability and profitability of jobs created in the regions, targeted poverty reduction measures based on the needs and capabilities of each mahalla, and improving support mechanisms for small businesses and microprojects.

The deputies also emphasized the need to strengthen the accountability of heads of ministries and agencies for the implementation of tasks whose implementation is delayed, and to establish systematic monitoring of the achievement of program targets across regions.

When assessing the results of the State Program, the deputies believe it is necessary to consider not only quantitative indicators, but also the impact of the measures taken on the standard of living of the population, the sustainability of created jobs, the expansion of income sources in mahallas, and real changes in the daily lives of citizens.