Time to open one’s eyes wide, or opponents of the new system will be pushed aside

In 2026, the main tax rates will not be increased. Roads will be brought in line with international standards. A total of 2.7 trillion soum will be allocated in subsidies to cover down payments and interest payments for citizens purchasing housing. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced this on December 26 in his address to the Oliy Majlis and the people of Uzbekistan.

In his address, the President raised the issue of combating corruption in a sharp and uncompromising tone. An “extraordinary situation” will be declared in 2026 to fight this problem, compliance and internal control mechanisms will be strengthened across all institutions, and leaders will report directly to the President. It was specifically noted that even district governors’ salaries have been increased and that they are now receiving substantial pay. From now on, every soum of state funds will be placed under strict control. While these measures may be unpopular with some, tighter discipline for officials was clearly signaled.

“Everyone is equal before the law. The security services, internal affairs bodies, the prosecutor’s office, tax, customs, finance, banks, major state-owned companies, ministries, and local administrations—in short, not a single institution or organization will be left outside oversight. Anyone who obstructs the activities of compliance services will be regarded as an accomplice to corruption and held accountable accordingly,” the President said.

The address also touched upon criminal groups that pressure entrepreneurs and extort illegal benefits. The President noted with concern that there are criminal gangs abroad composed of Uzbek citizens, calling this a serious issue. He also strongly condemned violence against women and children, emphasizing that women in Uzbekistan will not be left alone or unprotected.

The judicial system, it was stated, will become more fair and transparent. The rule of law will be ensured everywhere and at all times. By digitizing investigative processes, the protection of human rights will be further strengthened. Artificial intelligence technologies will be introduced at all stages, from accepting crime reports to transferring cases to court, reducing the human factor. From 2026, investigative judges will also be granted the authority to amend or revoke sanctions and coercive measures.

At a time when the “rules of the game” in the global trading system are changing, Uzbekistan’s gross domestic product exceeded $145 billion for the first time in history. Exports increased by 23 percent this year, with the figure expected to reach $33.4 billion next year. Most notably, the country’s gold and foreign exchange reserves surpassed $60 billion for the first time. Two years ago, the “Uzbekistan–2030” strategy set a target of increasing GDP to $160 billion by 2030. As a result of accelerated reforms, it was stated that this milestone could realistically be achieved as early as 2026.

The address emphasized the need to further attract foreign investors and adapt local and international highways to global standards in order to ensure rapid national development. Plans include building shorter roads connecting remote areas, as well as paying special attention to tourism and environmental culture.

Restrictions will be introduced on the entry of old vehicles into the capital, regional centers, and cities. At the same time, the state will provide assistance in replacing old cars with new ones. Eco-stickers will be introduced to improve environmental conditions. In addition, a number of incentives will be offered for electric vehicles, including subsidies for vehicle replacement and filter installation, as well as auto loans at 12 percent for locally produced electric cars and 16 percent for imported ones.

From 2026, expanding trade and economic cooperation with Afghanistan and more actively involving it in regional economic processes will become one of the key objectives. Relations with neighboring and foreign countries will enter a new stage. In the coming year, Russia, China, the United States, Türkiye, Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, India, and Pakistan will remain Uzbekistan’s main partners. The President also stressed that expanding multifaceted and mutually beneficial relations with other countries will continue to be a priority.

Since 2023, the volume of external debt has been determined by Parliament. The President proposed transferring the authority to approve external borrowing under state guarantees to Parliament as well. From now on, cases in which goods, works, and services can be procured directly through public procurement will be determined solely by law.

A comprehensive approach to mahalla development will also be introduced. In each region, two to three districts will be selected, and a system will be created to address all problems in all mahallas within those districts simultaneously. In parallel, entrepreneurial infrastructure will also be developed.

For these purposes, a total of 8.5 trillion soum will be allocated from all sources. Deputies will be provided with 500 billion soum to address issues in their constituencies. In addition, 330 million soum will be allocated to support each deputy’s initiative to create “green zones” and “green parks.” It was emphasized that by 2030, all mahallas in districts with difficult living conditions will be transformed to reflect the image of New Uzbekistan.

In 2026, the main tax rates will remain unchanged, while more than 10 trillion soum will be allocated for entrepreneurial infrastructure projects. A total of 140 trillion soum in resources will be directed toward the development of small and medium-sized businesses, including 43 trillion soum to support women’s and youth entrepreneurship.

Another major announcement in the address concerned the launch of Uzbekistan’s first astronaut into space.

“For the first time in the history of independent Uzbekistan, we have begun work on launching a satellite and sending the first Uzbek cosmonaut into space. I am confident that this will provide a powerful impetus for the scientific and technological development of New Uzbekistan and elevate our overall national progress to a new level. We must do this to honor the spirit of our great ancestors,” the President said.

Mirziyoyev also spoke about Uzbekistan’s growing international standing and reputation. Leading international rating agencies upgraded the country’s sovereign credit rating from “BB-” to “BB.” In an index published by the World Bank, Uzbekistan ranked among the world’s top 10 countries. As a result of these changes alone, interest rates on attracted external resources will decrease by 1–1.5 percentage points, reducing external debt servicing costs by $250–300 million annually.

“Everyone should listen carefully with both ears: in a developing state, the role of the media is invaluable, and ensuring freedom of speech and the press will remain our top priority,” the President said.

In the address, which lasted nearly two hours, Shavkat Mirziyoyev also traditionally named the coming year. The year 2026 was declared the “Year of Mahalla Development and Social Progress.”

For more detailed coverage of the address, watch the video report available on QALAMPIR.UZ’s YouTube channel.