Speaking to the “O’zbekiston 24” TV channel after a presidential meeting on February 3, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance Jamshid Kuchkarov outlined key measures to achieve the government's ambitious 2025 targets: ensuring employment for 5.2 million people, lifting 1.5 million citizens out of poverty, attracting $42 billion in foreign investments, and boosting exports to over $30 billion.
According to Kuchkarov, 277,000 people were employed in January alone. Of these, 91,000 secured permanent jobs, 153,000 started entrepreneurial activities, and more than 21,000 families were lifted out of poverty.
The Deputy Prime Minister highlighted that the country has "significant untapped potential" in household plots. As preparations for the planting season continue, a major challenge remains—850 mahallas currently lack access to water. By presidential order, this issue must be resolved by March 1, with 250 billion UZS allocated to the effort.
"Some areas will receive water from irrigation canals, while others will have additional pumps installed," Kuchkarov explained.
The Minister of Economy and Finance also emphasized that each group of four mahallas will be assigned a "mahalla banker." Currently, around 2,500 such bankers have already started their work.
To "revitalize and add new momentum" to the work of governor assistants, they will now also oversee the planting of agricultural crops on household plots. Over 95% of these assistants are trained economists familiar with loan distribution, subsidies, and vocational training programs, Kuchkarov noted.
The planting process will be tracked via the Online Mahalla platform. "From March 1, we will be able to see, through the electronic system, whether seedlings have been planted or not," he said.
Currently, the authenticity of created jobs is verified through the Tax Committee’s database, which records information on salaries, tax payments, and self-employed registrations. Starting in February, the Chamber of Accounts will also participate in verifying these records.
Additionally, the President will receive monthly reports from responsible officials on the implementation of key programs.
