New approaches to poverty reduction presented

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev reviewed a presentation on measures to ensure employment and reduce poverty through new approaches.

This year, plans include employing 5.2 million citizens and lifting 1.5 million people out of poverty. For the first time, 60 districts and cities will be designated areas free from poverty and unemployment.

In collaboration with mahalla bankers, efforts will be made to provide permanent employment for 1.5 million people and engage over 2 million citizens in business activities. To support these initiatives, this year, 120 trillion UZS in credit funds will be allocated for small business projects.

Drawing on advanced international experience, 32 new poverty reduction strategies will be implemented. For example, solar power plants with a total capacity of 107 MW will be built in 300 underdeveloped mahallas, creating cooperative-based employment opportunities for low-income families.

In 123 districts, low-income citizens will be offered jobs in forest and nursery development across 20,000 hectares, as well as in the cultivation of medicinal plants. As an incentive, individuals will receive a subsidy of 375,000 UZS for every 100 trees planted.

In areas with tourism potential, guesthouses and public dining facilities will be established, creating job opportunities for low-income families. Additionally, e-commerce centers will be set up at several postal offices, providing employment opportunities for underprivileged individuals.

By 2025, projects based on new poverty reduction approaches will be implemented in 6,472 mahallas, helping lift 210,000 people out of poverty.

Special attention will be given to remote villages with particularly challenging conditions. The Uzbekistan Mahalla Association will take measures to instill an entrepreneurial mindset, reduce dependency, and support the economic activity of low-income families.

The President once again emphasized that 2025 will be decisive in combating unemployment and poverty. He instructed authorities to ensure a systematic and targeted approach to implementing the planned initiatives.

The Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction has been tasked with strictly monitoring the execution of these measures. Each initiative and project will be recorded in a digital platform, with newly created jobs verified through the tax database.

The importance of organizing training programs for local hokimiyat officials and the “Mahalla of Seven” representatives and promoting best practices was also emphasized.