The Ministry of Economy and Finance of Uzbekistan has raised its economic growth forecast for 2026 from 6.6% to 8.1%. The new estimates are presented in the Fiscal Strategy for 2027–2029, Gazeta.uz reported.
According to the document, nominal GDP could reach 2.183 quadrillion soums, or approximately $180 billion. The main factors driving the forecast revision were rising global gold prices, expanding services exports, increasing tourism, efficient use of production capacity, and the stability of the national currency.
Inflation is expected to reach 6.5%, and unemployment to reach approximately 4.5%. In the first quarter of 2026, economic growth already reached 8.7%.
The forecast increase indicates the continued rapid pace of economic transformation in Uzbekistan and increased confidence in the ongoing reforms.
In recent years, the country has been actively developing its industry, infrastructure, and export sectors, attracting foreign investment, thereby expanding its economic base. Gold mining, tourism, and the growth of high-value-added manufacturing are particularly important.
At the same time, economic acceleration requires further increases in productivity, private sector development, and reduced dependence on raw materials.
The stability of the soum and moderate inflation create favorable conditions for business, but maintaining this momentum will depend on global commodity prices, external demand, and the government's ability to continue structural reforms.
The new forecast demonstrates Tashkent's commitment to securing its status as one of the fastest-growing economies in Central Asia.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
July 20, 2026