WB characterizes Uzbekistan's economic growth by a reduction in inequality

The World Bank links Uzbekistan's economic growth with a reduction in inequality

Uzbekistan's economic growth is accompanied by a decrease in the level of inequality. This was stated by the Minister of Employment and Poverty Reduction, Botir Zakhidov, at the Global Coalition for Social Justice forum, citing World Bank data.

Speaking about the results of the reforms, the minister announced that the poverty rate in the country has decreased to 3.9%, and unemployment to 4.5%. In 2025, 5.4 million people were provided with income-generating employment.

At the same time, according to Zakhidov, the state's task is not only to lift people out of poverty, but also to create sustainable conditions that will prevent them from falling back below the poverty line.

To achieve this, Uzbekistan is building a comprehensive approach that combines employment policy, professional skills development, support for entrepreneurship, and social protection.

As an example, the minister cited skills development in the field of e-commerce: in 2025, 40,000 young people underwent such training. Meanwhile, the vocational training system is increasingly focusing on the real needs of the labor market.

At the same time, the targeted provision of social services is expanding, and a more flexible social protection system is being formed, capable of responding to social, economic, and climate risks. Uzbekistan is cooperating with the World Bank in this direction.

Special attention at the forum was paid to the green and digital transitions. According to the minister, technological transformation means not only the introduction of new technologies, but also the emergence of new jobs and professions, as well as changes in qualification requirements for workers. Therefore, training and retraining of personnel, taking into account future changes in the labor market, is becoming increasingly important.

Zakhidov also emphasized the role of international cooperation in implementing reforms. Uzbekistan is participating in the Global Accelerator on Jobs and Social Protection for Just Transitions as a pathfinder country. The national roadmap under the initiative provides for reducing informal employment, developing inclusive social protection, and ensuring just green and digital transitions.

In June 2026, Uzbekistan, together with Cambodia, hosted a high-level ministerial meeting on the Global Accelerator. In addition, the country participates in the work of the Global Coalition for Social Justice, Alliance 8.7, and the World Bank's Jobs for the Poor initiative.

According to the minister, international partnerships help translate global commitments into concrete results at the national level.