REFLECTIONS ON THE UZBEKISTAN 2030 STRATEGY: A PATHWAY TO SUSTAINABLE PROGRESS?

Abstract

Launched on September 11, 2023, the Uzbekistan 2030 Strategy aims to transform the nation into an upper-middle-income country by 2030 through 100 goals across five pillars: human development, economic growth, environmental sustainability, governance, and international cooperation. Key targets include raising higher education enrollment to 50%, doubling GDP to $160 billion, and achieving 25,000 MW of renewable energy capacity, with initiatives like the Yashilmakon project planting 138 million trees. Economic progress is evident, with $25.5 billion in FDI contracts in 2024, driven by tax exemptions and deregulation in Free Economic Zones. Challenges include bridging rural-urban educational disparities, supporting small businesses, and navigating Central Asia’s complex water-sharing dynamics. Governance reforms, such as e-government expansion and the Tashkent International Arbitration Centre, face hurdles in overcoming bureaucratic inertia and ensuring public trust. Diplomatically, Uzbekistan seeks regional leadership and global integration, but its landlocked geography and geopolitical tensions require careful navigation. Success depends on inclusive implementation, robust regional cooperation, and support from international partners like the World Bank and UNDP.