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THE "UZBEKISTAN - 2030" STRATEGY: THE CULMINATION OF THE "NEW
UZBEKISTAN" DEVELOPMENT PARADIGM
Y. Jumayev
PhD in Law, Associate Professor, Department of Jurisprudence, Bukhara State University
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17181959
Abstract.
This article examines the strategic trajectory of Uzbekistan's development since
its independence, culminating in the "Uzbekistan - 2030" vision. It posits that the nation's
evolution can be understood in two distinct phases: the foundational period, which established a
unique "Uzbek Model" of gradual transition, and the contemporary era, defined by President
Shavkat Mirziyoyev's "New Uzbekistan" concept. The article provides a critical analysis of this
concept's core principles—prioritizing human dignity, justice, and economic liberalization—and
its operationalization through two sequential strategic roadmaps: the "Strategy of Actions" (2017-
2021) and the "Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan" (2022-2026). By evaluating the tangible
outcomes of the first strategy and the ambitious, goal-oriented framework of the second, this
paper argues that Uzbekistan has adopted a sophisticated, phased model of reform. This model
effectively builds upon historical foundations while aggressively addressing contemporary
challenges, aiming to position the country as a developed, just, and influential state within the
international community by the end of the decade.
Keywords:
Uzbekistan, Development Strategy, New Uzbekistan, Governance Reforms,
Economic Liberalization, Rule of Law, Strategic Planning, Central Asia.
Introduction
The dissolution of the Soviet Union presented the Republic of Uzbekistan with a profound
historical challenge: to carve a sovereign path of development congruent with its national
interests, cultural heritage, and geopolitical realities. Rejecting the notion of a universal
development template, the nascent state embarked on a journey of self-defined modernization. The
initial phase, under the leadership of First President Islam Karimov, was characterized by a
cautious and unique "Uzbek Model," which provided crucial stability. However, the evolving
global landscape and internal aspirations necessitated a new, more dynamic paradigm. This article
explores the "New Uzbekistan" concept as the overarching philosophical framework for this new
era and analyzes the "Uzbekistan - 2030" strategy as its concrete, implementable expression.
I. Historical Foundations: The "Uzbek Model" of Development
The initial post-independence period was defined by the urgent task of nation-building
without the luxury of external reliance. President Islam Karimov’s seminal work, "Uzbekistan - Its
Own Path to Transition to Market Relations" (1993), articulated five guiding principles that
formed the bedrock of the "Uzbek Model":
1. The Primacy of Economics: Liberating the economy from ideology and allowing it to
develop according to its own internal laws.
2. The State as the Chief Reformer: The government acting as the primary initiator and
driver of economic transformations.
3. The Supremacy of Law: Establishing equality for all before the law and ensuring
universal submission to it.
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4. Strong Social Policy: Implementing robust social protections for vulnerable populations
throughout the transition.
5. Gradual Transition: A deliberate, evolutionary shift to a market economy, avoiding
revolutionary shocks.
This model provided a necessary period of consolidation, creating the foundational
"groundwork for new social relations" and training a generation capable of managing future
renewal.
II. The "New Uzbekistan" Concept: A Paradigm Shift
Initiated by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the "New Uzbekistan" concept represents a
significant evolution from the foundational model, signaling a shift from stabilization to active
transformation. It is a holistic system of strategic thought aimed at comprehensive national
development. Its core tenets include:
· The Priority of Human Dignity: Placing human interests, rights, and freedoms at the
forefront of all state policy, making the dignified life of every citizen a primary goal.
· Constitutional and Legal Reformation: The adoption of a revised Constitution in 2023
serves as the legal bedrock of the concept, enshrining the principles of people's power, the
protection of human rights, and enhanced efficiency in state governance. The principle that
"Justice is the main criterion of society" is reflected across all spheres.
· Embedding Democratic Values: The political system is being developed on the principles
of openness, transparency, and public participation, with significant attention paid to strengthening
civil society and media.
· Economic Liberalization and Development: This entails a full commitment to a market
economy, reducing the state's share in economic activity, attracting foreign direct investment, and
fostering private entrepreneurship.
· Strategic Regional Cooperation: The concept envisages strengthening peace, stability,
and mutually beneficial cooperation, particularly with neighboring Central Asian states.
This paradigm extends beyond economics and politics to encompass a cultural and spiritual
revival, aiming to foster a confident national identity and active citizenry.
III. The Implementation Mechanism: From Strategy of Actions to Development Strategy
The "New Uzbekistan" vision is being realized through a deliberate, two-phase strategic
framework.
Phase One: The Strategy of Actions (2017-2021)
This five-year plan served as the initial catalyst for wide-ranging reforms, organized
around five priority directions. Its implementation yielded substantial, measurable results:
· In State Building: Duplicating agencies were merged, bureaucratic barriers reduced, and
state personnel optimized by 15%. The number of services provided via the "Single Window"
principle increased tenfold. The role of parliament was enhanced, and the media landscape
expanded dramatically, with 379 new outlets established.
· In Rule of Law: The establishment of administrative courts empowered citizens and
businesses to challenge state actions. This is evidenced by the dramatic increase in acquittals,
which rose from 138 (1991-2016) to 2,770 (2017-2020), indicating a shift towards a more
independent and fair judiciary.
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· In Economic Liberalization: The critical liberalization of the currency market in 2017
unlocked economic potential. Foreign trade turnover increased by 1.4 times, gold and currency
reserves grew, and the number of small business entities skyrocketed from 27,000 in 2016 to
93,000 in 2020.
· In Social Development: Unprecedented investment was made in healthcare and
education. Preschool coverage more than doubled to 61%, and the poverty rate was significantly
reduced.
Phase Two: The Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan (2022-2026)
Building on the momentum of the first phase, this strategy adopts a more precise, goal-
oriented approach. It outlines 100 national goals within seven priority directions, representing a
deeper and more targeted reform agenda:
1. Building a people-oriented state.
2. Establishing justice and the rule of law.
3. Achieving rapid economic growth.
4. Implementing fair social policy and developing human capital.
5. Ensuring spiritual development.
6. Addressing universal problems.
7. Pursuing an active foreign policy.
The execution mechanism has been refined for greater efficacy and accountability. A
national commission comprising state officials and public activists oversees implementation.
Crucially, the strategy emphasizes transparency and digitalization to facilitate public control,
turning the population from passive observers into active participants in the reform process. This
ensures that the strategy remains a living document, responsive to the people's needs.
Conclusion
The "Uzbekistan - 2030" vision, articulated through the "New Uzbekistan" concept and its
subsequent strategic roadmaps, demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of phased national
development. The journey from the stabilizing, foundational "Uzbek Model" to the transformative,
people-centric "New Uzbekistan" reflects a nation confidently articulating its future. The Strategy
of Actions successfully dismantled obsolete systems and initiated critical liberalization, while the
current Development Strategy provides a detailed blueprint for building a modern, just, and
prosperous society.
By anchoring its progress in constitutional reform, the rule of law, and economic openness,
while simultaneously fostering a renewed national identity, Uzbekistan is not merely reforming
but is undergoing a comprehensive renaissance. The strategic continuity from action to
development ensures that reforms are cumulative and sustainable. If this trajectory is maintained,
Uzbekistan is poised to solidify its position as a pivotal and influential state in Central Asia and
the wider international community by 2030.
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References:
1.
Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan. (2023). National Database of Legislation,
01.05.2023, No. 03/23/837/0241.
2.
Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan PF-4947. (2017). On the Strategy of
Actions for the Further Development of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
3.
Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan PF-60. (2022). On the Development
Strategy of New Uzbekistan for 2022 - 2026.
4.
Karimov, I. A. (1993). Uzbekistan - Its Own Path to Transition to Market Relations.
Tashkent.
5.
Mirziyoyev, Sh.M. (2017). We Will Build Our Great Future Together with Our Brave and
Noble People. Tashkent: "Uzbekistan" Publishing House.
6.
Mirziyoyev, Sh.M. (2017). Speech at the Solemn Ceremony Dedicated to the 24th
Anniversary of the Adoption of the Constitution... Tashkent: "Uzbekistan" Publishing
House.
7.
Address of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the Oliy
Majlis. December 20, 2022.
8.
Official electronic resources of the government of the Republic of Uzbekistan:
president.uz, strategy.uz, lex.uz.
