1 million people to gain permanent employment in Uzbekistan in 2026

In 2026, Uzbekistan plans to provide permanent employment for one million people and lift 181,000 families out of poverty. This was announced on January 23 at a videoconference meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on key tasks for reducing poverty and ensuring employment this year.

It was noted that during the meeting, the President pointed out that local governors and the “mahalla seven” lack sufficient methodological knowledge and practical experience to fully utilize existing opportunities, while relevant ministries and agencies are failing to provide adequate support.

Examples such as livestock farming in Arnasoy, banana cultivation in Sho‘rchi, pomegranate farming in Quva, and beekeeping in Bostanliq were cited as successful local initiatives created by residents and entrepreneurs. These practices could serve as effective models for other districts with similar specialization, but they are not being used efficiently.

“Such experiences exist everywhere, but there is no system to teach them and expand their coverage,” the President said.

During the meeting, responsible officials were instructed to study available opportunities in mahallas with high unemployment and poverty levels within one month and develop a methodological guide to introduce best practices. Local governors will be responsible and accountable for implementing these measures on the ground, ensuring employment, increasing incomes, and resolving issues troubling residents.

“In general, this year the activities of every ministry and local administration will be linked to the mahalla, and all adopted decisions must clearly reflect what changes will take place at the mahalla level,” the President said.

Providing permanent employment for one million people, lifting 181,000 families out of poverty, increasing the number of poverty-free mahallas by 2.5 times to 3,500, and reducing unemployment and poverty to 4.5 percent have been set as key targets for this year.