Uzbekistan exported $3.2 billion worth of goods during January-March, the GDP growth amounted to 3%, industrial production grew by 3.8% and agriculture by 3.1%. State budget revenues exceeded the forecast by almost $190 million.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during a meeting on May 12 said that these figures, indeed, were good, but not enough. If all industry leaders would work with great dedication, these figures would be twice as high.
“The vertical system of ministries does not work. Industry leaders lack initiative, and their deputies lack authority and a sense of responsibility. If we put an end to corruption, if the local system works, the mayors of regions, districts and cities will strengthen their responsibility, the economy will develop by itself,” Mirziyoyev said.
Talking about the shortcomings in terms of industries and regions he said that the production capacities at factories of Uzavtosanoat decreased by 40%, while Uzbekneftegaz witnessed a 4.7% decline. While demand for medicines and medical devices has surged in recent years, pharmaceutical production has fallen by 22%. The volume of production at 74 large enterprises in the regions has dipped by $104 million.
During Q2, the Uzbek government intends to raise $7.1 billion worth of investments and channel these funds into realization of over 2,500 regional projects.
Projects worth over $220 million are to be implemented in the textile industry.
Exports in the first half of the year are set to reach $5.2 billion. (Uzreport/Business World Magazine)