The World Bank has raised its economic growth forecast for Uzbekistan in 2026 to 6.4%, despite the general downward trend in forecast revisions, according to its Global Economic Prospects report (June 2026), Uzdaily.uz reports.
Uzbekistan remains one of the most dynamic economies in the region, with growth of 7.7% in 2025 and expected to reach 6.7–6.8% in subsequent years. This forecast upgrade distinguishes the country from the few economies in Europe and Central Asia that have received upgraded estimates amid global instability.
Overall, the Central Asian countries—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan—are forecast by the World Bank to grow by 5.2% in 2026, significantly higher than the ECA regional average of 2.1%, despite a slowdown compared to 2025.
The report notes that the region faces rising energy prices, external financial constraints, and weak demand in Europe. An additional risk is the potential decline in remittances from Russia, which previously supported consumption in Central Asia.
Despite external challenges, Uzbekistan and Central Asia as a whole remain more resilient than most other developing regions.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
June 12, 2026