Uzbekistan's economy continues to show robust momentum: according to the Center for Economic Research and Reforms (CERR), GDP growth in the first quarter of 2026 is forecast at 7–7.2% year-on-year, Gazeta.uz reports.
In 2025, the country's GDP expanded by 7.7%, outpacing the 2024 figure of 6.7%. The accuracy of CERR's forecasting methods was reaffirmed, with deviations from actual results amounting to just 0.2 percentage points.
The Q1 2026 outlook is primarily supported by: business activity (+3.1 p.p.), financial and credit sector (+1.0 p.p.), banking operations (+0.9 p.p.), industrial production (+0.6 p.p.), and retail trade (+0.3 p.p.).
For the first time, AI analysis of 250 Google search indicators was used to validate the projection. January 2026 search trends revealed rising interest in key categories: "Internet & Telecommunications" +19.3%, "Finance" +7.9%, and "Shopping" +5.2%. Based on this data, the machine-learning model estimates GDP growth at approximately 7.2%.
Both traditional econometric modeling and AI-driven analysis converge on a growth range of 7–7.2%. Positive contributors are expected to include an improved business environment, higher investment activity, and continued expansion in industry and services.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
March 3, 2026