Uzbekistan unveils ambitious ‘2030 Strategy’ targeting economic growth, human development

ISLAMABAD, Apr 03 (APP):Uzbekistan has officially launched its updated “Uzbekistan–2030” Strategy, a comprehensive national development roadmap aimed at overhauling the Central Asian nation’s economy, education system, and public infrastructure.

Developed following extensive public consultations and designed to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the revised framework shifts away from isolated initiatives toward a results-based governance model, said a release issued here on Friday.

A defining feature of the strategy is its strict emphasis on measurable implementation. Authorities have established 100 specific goals that will be evaluated annually through 2030.

Each target is tied to designated institutions, financing sources, and implementation mechanisms. Progress will be tracked via a public digital platform utilizing color-coded performance categories to flag delays.

“Implementing reform requires responsibility, consistency, institutional discipline, and public legitimacy,” said Eldor Tulyakov, executive director of the Development Strategy Centre, which will play a key role in monitoring the strategic indicators.

International organizations and development partners will be granted access to monitor progress reports, a move officials say will bolster transparency and attract external support.

The government has outlined two major priorities: human capital development and sustainable economic growth.

To foster human development, the strategy allocates 44 goals targeting education, healthcare, and youth empowerment. Key education initiatives include boosting preschool coverage to 80%, doubling teachers’ salaries, and providing ongoing professional development for 500,000 education staff. Officials also aim to establish 200 internationally accredited university programs.

Healthcare reforms are designed to raise the average life expectancy to 78 years and increase health expenditures to 5% of the national gross domestic product. Youth policies heavily emphasize modern skill-building, with plans to train 3 million young people in professions utilizing artificial intelligence tools and to employ 300,000 citizens in the IT sector.

Economically, the government seeks to rapidly expand its gross domestic product from $145 billion to more than $240 billion by 2030. During the same period, the goal for GDP per capita is to increase from $3,800 to $5,800.

Officials aim to maintain inflation at 5 percent, keep public debt below 50 percent of GDP, and hold the budget deficit under 3 percent. The industrial sector faces sweeping targets, including the production of 1 million vehicles annually — comprising 200,000 electric vehicles — and the creation of 1.8 million industrial jobs. The government anticipates attracting $150 billion in foreign investment across more than 400 strategic projects.

Environmental sustainability is also a core component of the framework. Uzbekistan plans to transition 54 percent of its total energy generation to renewable sources and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent. Agricultural targets include a 25 percent improvement in water-use efficiency and reaching $10 billion in agricultural exports.

Further reforms will target the rule of law, aiming to expand electronic public services, reduce regulatory burdens, advance World Trade Organization accession, and increase the number of visa-free travel destinations for Uzbek citizens.

The comprehensive agenda is expected to guide Uzbekistan’s domestic and foreign policy efforts well into the next decade, positioning the country as an increasingly active participant in the global economy.