Uzbekistan's bold 2030 plan: Doubling GDP and slashing poverty further
Uzbekistan’s economy has seen rapid growth in recent years, nearly tripling in size since 2016. The country has also slashed poverty rates from almost 35% to just 5.8% over the same period. Now, ambitious plans aim to push the economy even further by 2030. Since 2016, Uzbekistan’s GDP has surged to $147 billion, up from around $50 billion. This expansion has come alongside a sharp drop in poverty, falling from nearly 35% to 5.8%. Foreign investment has played a key role, with over $150 billion flowing into the country during this time.
The government is now targeting a GDP of more than $240 billion by 2030. To support this, energy production has already increased by 1.5 times since 2016. Renewable energy is also a priority, with plans to raise its share to 54% within the next six years. A major infrastructure project, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, is set to boost trade. Estimated to cost around $4.7 billion, the line will carry 10-15 million tonnes of cargo each year. It will also cut transit times by up to 10 days, improving regional connectivity. Beyond infrastructure, Uzbekistan is investing in technology. Over 200 AI projects are currently in development, and the country aims to become a regional hub for artificial intelligence. Expanding data infrastructure forms part of this strategy.
Uzbekistan’s economic transformation has already delivered significant results, with rising GDP and falling poverty. The next phase includes major investments in energy, trade, and technology. If successful, these projects could further accelerate growth and position the country as a key player in Central Asia.
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