Uzbekistan praznuje 35 let neodvisnosti, predsednik pa je predstavil načrte za naslednjo desetletje

Uzbekistan marked the 35th anniversary of its independence with a grand celebration in New Tashkent, just days ahead of the official Independence Day on 1 September. The city hosted a large-scale event featuring international artists, advanced technology displays, and a diverse array of performances. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev used the occasion to reflect on the nation's progress and outline strategic goals for the next decade. The festivities took place in New Tashkent, a newly developing urban area adjacent to the existing capital. This district spans approximately 20,000 hectares and is projected to house two million people. Its initial phase covers 6,000 hectares, designed to support 600,000 residents. The development includes residential areas, educational institutions, cultural centers, governmental offices, commercial zones, and improved transportation networks. During his address, President Mirziyoyev highlighted the significance of independence as a revival of national pride and identity. He acknowledged the contributions of the Jadids, a group of Central Asian intellectuals who advocated for modernization through education and societal transformation, and honored the legacy of the country’s first leader, Islam Karimov. “Independence gave us back our honour and dignity, our mother tongue and our national values,” he stated. The president emphasized the substantial reforms implemented over the last decade, which have opened up the economy and enhanced regional and global ties. These reforms include the abolition of compulsory and child labor in cotton harvesting, removal of currency conversion limitations, and relaxation of residency registration rules. Additionally, changes in tax policies, customs regulations, and investment frameworks have contributed to the country’s economic liberalization. Annual foreign investment has surged from roughly $2–$3 billion to $40–$50 billion. Mirziyoyev noted that the initial target for GDP growth to reach $160 billion by 2030 has been surpassed, with expectations of exceeding that figure by 2026. He also reported that poverty levels have dropped significantly, from 35% in 2017 to 4% currently. To guide future development, the president outlined seven key initiatives spanning multiple sectors. These programs focus on education, healthcare, economic growth, environmental sustainability, legal reforms, local governance, and international relations. Among the ambitious economic objectives is attracting $450 billion in foreign investment over the next ten years and increasing GDP to $300 billion by 2030. The government also intends to generate two million high-paying industrial jobs, prioritizing innovation, entrepreneurship, and artificial intelligence. In the realm of education, Uzbekistan plans to offer preparatory schooling to all children aged six, implement international academic standards in technical schools, and train one million youth for lucrative careers. The goal is to position at least ten Uzbek universities within the world’s top 1,000 institutions. Healthcare spending will be raised to 5% of GDP within five years, accompanied by expanded preventive care services and the introduction of state-sponsored health insurance. Environmental strategies aim to deploy water-efficient technologies across all farmland within five years to combat water shortages and ecological stress. Legal reforms will enhance judicial autonomy and ensure better protection for citizens and enterprises. The traditional neighborhood-based community organization known as the mahalla will also see increased involvement in local governance structures.